The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been discussing estuary management with the community, highlighted by recent drop-in sessions to discuss the recent update to the Estuary Management Protocols.
The drop-in sessions were well represented with community members keen to discuss these updates as well as voice their concerns about impacts to individual’s properties, businesses and access to public recreational activities when estuaries remain closed and water levels increase.
Some of the risks involved with estuary openings and findings from recent trend analysis’ of some of East Gippsland’s estuaries including Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, the mouth of the Snowy River and Lake Tyers were highlighted at the drop-in sessions.
“We understand the varied impacts of estuaries remaining closed for long periods of time. It is a delicate balance of social, cultural, economic and environmental values to consider and many aspects to assess when considering artificially opening an estuary” said Bec Hemming, chief executive officer of the East Gippsland CMA.
“It is finding that balance that ensures a successful outcome for all. The recent community discussions have highlighted the impacts of sustained high water levels, improved understanding and created more opportunities to share information” added Bec.
As part of the Australian and Victorian Government funded Victorian Estuary Resilience and Hazard Reduction project, the CMA is implementing a series of projects to build on the knowledge of East Gippsland’s estuaries to assist with future management and decision making.
In partnership with East Gippsland Shire Council, Gippsland Ports and Parks Victoria this project includes a trend analysis of 30 years of historic data, installation of cameras to collect visual data of the estuary opening trends and the installation of height gauges in the estuaries to monitor water levels remotely.
Community members will be encouraged to take part in a citizen science program, Estuary Watch, that assists with collection of water quality and condition data to provide valuable information for future estuary management decisions.
