Community
2 October, 2024
River mouth opened again
PARKS Victoria conducted an artificial river mouth opening at Peterborough on Friday.
With significant flooding in parts of Peterborough neighbouring the river mouth, the decision was made last week.
A Corangamite Catchment Management Authority spokesperson said the artificial estuary opening last Friday afternoon to prevent further flooding.
“Given it was an action that was preparing for or responding to an emergency, they (Parks Victoria) did not require a permit from Corangamite CMA,” the spokesperson said.
“After being notified by Parks Victoria on Monday, September 23 that they were considering an artificial estuary opening, Corangamite CMA engaged a consultant to complete water quality testing at nine sites on the estuary on the afternoon on the same day.
“We also provided advice on the risks to environmental values including fish, birds, vegetation and water quality.”
The Corangamite CMA spokesperson said where possible, current research indicates it is “best to leave estuaries to operate naturally to maintain the health of waterways, vegetation and wildlife”.
The river mouth at Peterborough was successfully opened on August 31, but closed after a few days due to high seas.