ANGLESEA BERM GROOMING TRIAL PROGRESSING

A trial lowering the sand bar in the Anglesea River to enable ocean water flow into the estuary during high tides is a step closer.

Using a process technically referred to as berm grooming, the trial aims to prevent decline in the river estuary’s health by maintaining water levels in Coogoorah Park and prevent activation of acid sulphate.

A berm is a natural bank of sand that builds up between an estuary and the ocean, blocking the flow of water. Grooming refers to mechanically removing sand to the level required to enable flow.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has received approval under the Marine and Coastal Act for the berm grooming trial and has applied for both a cultural heritage permit with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and a planning permit from the Surf Coast Shire. As part of the planning permit, signs were erected at the river mouth on 19 July 2024 to advise the community.

Pending approval works could happen at any time within the next two years when water levels and tide conditions are favourable. The trial would involve an excavator working to reduce the height of the sand for a section of the berm. Works are only expected to last a few days, and busy periods will be avoided.

The Anglesea River experiences periods of low pH (acidic) conditions due to the activation of acid sulphate soils in the upper to mid catchment (above Coogoorah Park). The Anglesea River Advisory Group, supported by Corangamite CMA, DEECA, Barwon Water and Surf Coast Shire, have been exploring options to improve the health of the Anglesea River.

A 2023 Anglesea Estuary Management Options Investigation by CDM Smith found that the issues present in the Anglesea River and estuary are complex and that there is no quick or single fix option.

A berm grooming trial was selected by the Advisory Group as worth pursuing to see if it would provide benefits to the estuary. Other options presented in the report are still to be considered by the Advisory Group, noting many of them have significant financial costs and amenity impacts.

It is expected that the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will be able to use the sand removed by the grooming at Point Roadknight for re-nourishment. The community will be kept informed of how the trial progresses through the Anglesea River Advisory Group.