Thompson Creek estuary was artificially opened today to alleviate local flooding caused by recent and forecast high rainfall.
Surf Coast Shire Council managed the estuary opening at Breamlea in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) and with the support of Parks Victoria.
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority provided approval for the opening based on a scientific risk assessment. This takes into consideration the relative economic, social and environmental impacts.
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.
Surf Coast Shire Council, the City of Greater Geelong and the Authority have been monitoring the situation. Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has provided advice to the joint agencies about the proposed opening.
Flooding and drying of wetlands and estuaries is important to the health of the plant and animal communities that live there.
Water levels have now risen to the point where flooding impacts on surrounding properties and roads are imminent so a decision was made to act in the best interests of community safety.
The opening involved digging a channel through the large sand berm.
Pedestrian or vehicle access to Point Impossible has not been impacted.
