Painkalac Creek opened to ease flood risk in Aireys

THE Painkalac Creek in Aireys Inlet was artificially opened to the ocean earlier this week to reduce the risk of flooding ahead of expected heavy rain.

The Surf Coast Shire had been watching the height of water in the creek closely in recent days, and on Tuesday morning requested land manager Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority to carry out the opening.

This involves using an excavator to dig a channel between the estuary and the ocean to release water, reducing levels in the creek.

“We’ve been actively monitoring the water levels in the Painkalac Creek and rainfall forecasts,” the shire’s general manager of community life Damian Waight said on Tuesday.

“As of Monday afternoon the water level in the creek was 1.961m, which is close to the level that causes houses in Aireys Inlet to flood.

“Rain is forecast on four of the next six days in Aireys Inlet, including possible thunderstorms on Wednesday and the risk of homes flooding had reached a point where we needed to act.”

He said the decision to open a creek was a difficult one, and the shire always considered the impact on the health of the estuary, balanced with the shire’s responsibility to protect property and assets.

“We appreciate the understanding of the community and the assistance of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, who responded quickly to our request and carried out the opening early Tuesday morning.”