A saturated catchment with further rain on the way is prompting opening of the mouth of the Anglesea River today to prevent localised flooding. Weather forecasts and estuary levels are regularly monitored. Planning for an estuary opening is undertaken by Council.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority has provided approval for the opening based on a scientific risk assessment. This takes into consideration the relative economic, social and environmental impacts of artificially opening the estuary mouth.
Further detailed information about the Anglesea estuary and its catchment can be found in the Anglesea River Environmental Flows Study Summary brochure.
You can learn about estuaries at www.ccma.vic.gov.au/waterways/waterway-management/estuaries/