General News
4 September, 2024
Curdies river mouth artificially opened
THE Curdies River Estuary at Peterborough was artificially opened by Parks Victoria last week in a bid to prevent further flooding of properties along the Curdies River.
An excavator was used to create a channel between the estuary and the sea, creating plenty of interest among onlookers.
A Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) spokesperson said the artificial opening was completed to reduce flood risk.
“Recent extreme weather events, large ocean swells and higher than usual tides have caused the estuary to close on August 31 – five days after it was artificially opened,” the spokesperson said.
“Curdies River is one of the many estuaries in Victoria that alternates between being open or closed to the sea.
“In normal conditions, estuaries are best left to operate naturally to maintain the health of waterways, vegetation and wildlife.”
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said in terms of reducing flood risk, the opening was successful.
“Forty-eight hours after excavation, the water level in the Curdies River estuary had dropped 70 centimetres,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to monitor the estuary over the coming weeks – depending on the spring rain, it may require another artificial opening.
“Corangamite CMA undertakes a risk assessment using data such as water quality, scientific reports and weather data before providing advice to Parks Victoria on an artificial estuary opening.
“The risk to human assets that can only be alleviated by an artificial opening are also considered.”
The Parks Victoria spokesperson said no adverse impacts due to the artificial opening have been reported.