An Anglesea River Flood Study will help Surf Coast Shire Council and the community to better understand the risk of flooding – both now and in the future.
Council has a responsibility to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from flood events.
With more unpredictable storms and rising sea levels, flood studies provide a greater understanding of future climate impacts and potential options to help manage them.
Council is leading the Anglesea flood study alongside Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and Victorian State Emergency Service.
The study will begin with preliminary work in early June. Surveyors will collect GPS-measured floor level data from riverside properties, and the river's underwater environment will be mapped.
The information will help establish hazard modelling, which will show the areas predicted to flood near the Anglesea River including residential properties, businesses and infrastructure. Historical flood data will be used to calibrate the study.
Council will share the long-term modelling and invite community input later this year, with the ultimate goal to identify future flood mitigation options.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth said artificial openings are the default mitigation action.
"When water levels are high and significant rainfall is forecast, the Anglesea River estuary is artificially opened with an excavator to release water and reduce the risk of flooding," Cr Bodsworth said.
Artificial river mouth openings can negatively impact estuary health. The effectiveness of the openings may decrease as climate-related impacts like storm surges increase.
"We want to work together and plan for how this will affect the community and the way we use the Anglesea River in the medium and long term," Cr Bodsworth said.
"Both locals and visitors love the river and want to look after it. We also recognise the importance of Kuarka Dorla – Anglesea River – to Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
"This study aligns with our goal that communities are prepared ahead of emergencies, supported during them, and resilient in their aftermath. We're also required by the state government to plan for climate change risks."
Stay up to date at the Anglesea River Flood Study webpage
While the health of Anglesea River is not the focus of this project, it will help the community and local government agencies work towards managing the future of the Anglesea River. The webpage has links to helpful resources, groups, and local advocacy initiatives.
