What this study is about

This study is looking at climate impacts on:

  • Flood risk in the Anglesea River catchment.
  • Understanding flood risks in both the short and long term associated with varying degrees of climate change.
  • The interaction of coastal inundation and riverine/stormwater flooding from the local catchment.

The study will:

  • Inform flood emergency response actions.
  • Identify flood mitigation options for risk in current and future climate conditions.
  • Raise community flood awareness.

What we know

Flood risk in the Anglesea River catchment is influenced by:

  • Rainfall from the surrounding catchment.
  • The condition and height of the berm at the river mouth.

The estuary mouth opens and closes depending on:

  • Rainfall
  • Sand berm build up
  • Wave patterns

Flows in the river have been altered by changes to the riverbed during the establishment of the Alcoa coal mine, the creation of Coogoorah Park after the Ash Wednesday bushfires and pumping of treated mine water into the river for the duration of the mine's operation.

The current mitigation action to reduce the risk of flooding is an artificial opening. Artificial openings generally negatively impact estuary health.

What we don't know

How the changing climate will impact flooding around the Anglesea River, including the number of residential properties, businesses and infrastructure which are predicted to flood in the future.

We also want to learn if the effectiveness of artificial openings will decrease as climate-related impacts increase.

We’ll share the modelling and invite community input later this year, with the ultimate goal to identify future flood mitigation options.

The Anglesea River is a unique and valuable natural asset for the local Anglesea community and visitors. In addition to environmental values, recreational use of the Anglesea River and estuary supports social values for the local community and visitors. As one of the town’s key attractions, it also holds economic value and supports local businesses which rely on the visitor economy.

When water levels are high and rainfall is forecast, occasionally the Estuary is artificially opened to release water. This reduces the risk of flooding to properties, businesses and infrastructure. The land manager digs a channel between the Estuary and the ocean with an excavator to open it. Artificial river mouth openings generally negatively impact estuary health with each one compounding upon the last.

Council was previously responsible for artificially opening the estuary to reduce the risk of flooding. As of October 2024, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has taken over this responsibility. Council is still involved in monitoring river conditions and requesting an opening when flooding is predicted.

This project is funded by:

  • Victoria's Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action via their "Flood Reclamation Roadmap Flood Study Funding"

Project Partners are:

  • Surf Coast Shire
  • Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action
  • Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
  • Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

This is a multi stage project where each organisation is contributing their time and expertise.