Heavy rainfall sees Thompson Creek estuary reopen

HEAVY and consistent rainfall has caused the Thompson Creek estuary to be artificially opened by the Surf Coast Shire to alleviate local flooding.

The opening of the estuary at Breamlea was managed by the shire in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) with the support of Parks Victoria.

“Consistent winter and spring rainfall combined with a natural sand berm blocking water flows at the mouth of Thompson Creek estuary has caused some localised flooding,” a Surf Coast Shire spokesperson said.

“Water levels had risen to the point where flooding impacts on surrounding properties and roads were imminent, so a decision was made to act in the best interests of community safety.”

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority provided approval for the opening based on a scientific risk assessment, which took into consideration the relative economic, social and environmental impacts.

Prior to opening the estuary, the Surf Coast Shire Council, the City of Greater Geelong and the Authority had been monitoring the situation.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has also provided advice to the joint agencies about the proposed opening, expressing that the flooding and drying of wetlands and estuaries is important to the health of the plant and animal communities that live there.

The opening involved digging a channel through the large sand berm, but pedestrian or vehicle access to Point Impossible has not been impacted.

The spokesperson said the estuary has no set date on closing, given it is dependent on dynamic environment influenced by weather factors.

For more information on the benefits Thompson Creek estuary provides you can head to: ccma.vic.gov.au/resources/publications/ or geelongaustralia.com.au/parks/item/breamleareserve.aspx.