Painkalac Creek Flood Information
Surf Coast Shire Council has a permit to allow us to artificially open the Painkalac Creek estuary to reduce the risk of flooding.
2022/23 La Nina weather patterns have seen an increase of unpredictable storm events and rainfall. It has resulted in increased flooding risk to residential properties, businesses and critical infrastructure. These issues are expected to worsen as climate change impacts continue to emerge.
Around 50 private properties are at risk of inundation from flooding without intervention. Council has the challenge of balancing the protection of property and infrastructure and the impacts on the environment when deciding whether to open the estuary. The diversity of estuary habitats, land use and land tenure typically requires various agencies to undertake management roles.
When time permits Council will collect water samples and work with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to model the environmental effect of an opening. However, on occasion, if water levels rise rapidly, Council may need to take the decision to conduct an emergency opening.
Painkalac Estuary opening data
The following document shows data collected from recent openings:
Painkalac Creek Flood Mitigation Working Group
Formed in early 2022 and made up of members of the community, SES, CCMA, Council, Barwon Water, DEECA and GORCAPA, this working group held an information session at Aireys Inlet on 26 June 2022. Agencies were able to share their obligations and information they take into account when considering an artificial opening, and community members were able to voice their concerns around environmental impacts and flooding of properties and infrastructure.
Following that AIDA - Aireys Inlet & district Association hosted a Forum in January 2023 at the Aireys Community Hall on the topic of the health of the Painkalac Creek and its estuary. The AIDA website has more information on the Forum, including links to all the presentations.
Next steps
Watch this space for further updates.