We want to:
  • let you know about our Flood Study currently underway.
  • understand community values associated with the Painkalac Estuary.
  • understand what flood risk concerns the community have now and into the future.


Introduction

Painkalac Creek is a stunning coastal system. It is loved for a range of recreational activities including picnicking, canoeing, swimming and fishing. It supports an important and diverse mix of native plants and animals.

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.

Flood risk will become more frequent with rising sea levels and increased storm activity. As climate-related impacts increase, the effectiveness of mitigating flood risk via artificial estuary openings may decrease. We want to work together and plan for how this will affect communities and the way we use Painkalac Creek in the medium and long term.

In the past, Council was 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's Painkalac Creek Estuary Flood Mitigation and Adaptation Study

We want to understand the climate change impacts to flood risk. We also want to know what mitigation or adaptation options may be available.

We aim to:

  • Identify climate change impacts to existing flood risk
  • Look at options to lessen impacts
  • Highlight possible approaches to managing and adapting to impacts
  • Work with the community to understand what you most value about the area, so that we can develop mitigation options aimed at protecting those values

This project is co-funded by:

  • Victoria’s Department of Environment, Energy & Climate Action via their ‘Victoria's Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+’ program, and
  • Corangamite Catchment Management Authorities Flood Studies program

Project partners are:

  • Surf Coast Shire Council
  • Department of Environment, Energy & 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.


Current status

In this stage of the project we are gathering data to inform the Flood Study with local knowledge. We are working to gain a clear picture and want to know what you love about Painkalac Creek and your hopes for the Creek’s future. Information about what you value most will help us find future flood mitigation options.

There will be more opportunities to have your say as the project progresses. Please click the 'follow' button above. You will get a message when we update this page.

If you would like to talk with us about this, Council staff will be in Aireys Inlet on Thursday 27 March at:

  • Top shops area: 9.30am to 10.30am
  • Bottom shops area: 12pm to 1pm
  • Aireys Inlet Community Centre: 3pm to 4pm

If you would like a hard copy of the survey posted to you, please call 5261 0600. Feedback closes Wednesday 23 April 2025