Thompson Creek estuary was artificially opened last week to alleviate flooding caused by recent heavy 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, with the support of Parks Victoria.
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority provided approval for the opening based on a scientific risk assessment, which considered 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 in recent weeks.
Flooding and drying of wetlands and estuaries is important to the health of the plant and animal communities that live there.
Water levels had risen to the point where flooding impacts on surrounding properties and roads were imminent, with the decision to open the estuary made in the interests of community safety.
The opening involved digging a channel through the large sand berm.
Pedestrian and vehicle access to Point Impossible was not impacted.
