Barwon River re-opens after blue-green algae outbreak

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has re-opened the Barwon River in Geelong for in-water activities following a blue-green algae outbreak last week.

The Barwon River was closed on January 31 from below Fyans Park to Breakwater Road. A combination of hot weather, low water flows and high nutrient levels in the Barwon River contributed to the outbreak.

Corangamite CMA’s co-ordinator for Barwon through Geelong Denis Lovric said the river had been re-opened following extensive water quality testing that indicated negligible levels of blue-green algal toxins in the water, well below the threshold for safe human contact.

“The Barwon River in Geelong is a hub for community sport and recreation and one of our region’s greatest natural assets. The Corangamite CMA will continue to test the river quality weekly and update the community.”

For more information or to report a suspected blue-green algae outbreak, phone Corangamite CMA on 1800 002 262 or head to ccma.vic.gov.au.