SIZING UP THE UPPER BARWON

We want to avoid contributing to flooding while releases of water for the environment are taking place from the West Barwon Reservoir. To do this, we need to collect additional data to help us understand how much water the river channel can carry before it starts to inundate private property.   

Over the next six months, we will engage surveyors to collect data in sections of the east and west branches of the upper Barwon River. The surveyors will measure the change in the width and depth of the river channel at regular intervals and will take measurements of other features, such as bridges and culverts.

We have started engaging with landholders on both the east and west branches about the survey work. We are relying on landholders' help to access the river channel. Local knowledge of how the river behaves downstream of the West Barwon Reservoir has also been incredibly valuable in the delivery of this project. At this stage, the surveyors plan to start work in the week of the 26th of February and will continue until mid-year if conditions permit safe access.

This work is just the first step! Once the surveyor has taken the measurements, the data will be used to create a model of the upper Barwon River.

We are currently seeking funding for a model to be created. This model can be used to determine what volumes of water can travel through the river before it starts to inundate private property. It also has the potential to be used to identify important habitat refuges along the length of the river.

The data collected as part of this project will be a snapshot in time that we can look back on in 30 years when we hope to see the fruits of all the work that has been done in the upper Barwon.