The Painkalac Creek and its estuary are at the heart of the landscape and ecology of our community. We value the seasonal shifts in the estuarine flows which allow a remarkable biodiversity to flourish.
At the same time, climate change impacts are likely to lead to increased risks of flooding for about fifty residential properties, businesses and critical infrastructure without intervention, such as artificially opening the estuary. There are diverse views on the necessity, frequency and timing of such openings.
Council has transferred responsibility for the Painkalac Creek estuary artificial openings to the land manager, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA). There is detailed information on the Surf Coast Council website: Painkalac Creek Flood Information – Surf Coast Shire
In January 2023 AIDA hosted a forum 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.
The shire is currently conducting a Painkalac Creek Estuary Flood Mitigation and Adaptation Study, which the State Government is supporting through a grant of $150,000. The government aims to identify climate change impacts to existing flood risk, analyse current mitigation options and highlight possible strategic approaches to coastal hazard risk management and adaptation: https://www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/marine-coastal-management/victorias-resilient-coast-adapting-for-2100.
The shire has recently completed a community survey. The AIDA submission was broadly in line with the overall expression of community sentiment. Key extracts of our submission are listed below.
Painkalac Creek is special to me because …
Community surveys conducted by AIDA since 1983 have consistently shown that the creek and its valley and estuary are the most valued elements of the natural environment of Aireys Inlet. Our members and the local community are highly motivated to protect this natural asset in our area.
Is there something important in the Painkalac Creek area we might not know about?
The valley is ecologically significant and has flora and fauna of high State significance. It also has high cultural significance for the First Nations peoples in our area. Work on Lot 2, 101 Bambra Road, Aireys Inlet is a powerful example of successful rehabilitation and rewilding of wetlands in the Painkalac Valley.
Do you have specific concerns about climate change impacting Painkalac Creek?
Rising sea levels and increased risk of flooding makes it imperative that the creek and its surrounds are rehabilitated to recreate patterns of water flow before the clearing for agriculture in the nineteenth century. The reinstatement and proper management of wetlands in the Painkalac Valley will increase its resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The future of Painkalac Creek?
The Aireys Inlet to Eastern View Structure Plan 2015 contains powerful statements and arguments about the need to protect and maintain the natural character of the valley, its fauna and its landscape. The health of the valley is under increased pressure from climate change. It should not be seen as something to be ‘balanced’ against protection of property by artificial openings and closings of the estuary. At least twenty metres of both banks along the upper reaches of the creek from the Painkalac Reservoir to Butlers Bend need urgent rehabilitation, if not the entire valley. Such remedial works are some of the best protection against the impacts of climate change. AIDA believes that the requirements of the Planning Scheme, the 97/7281 Planning Permit, the S173 Agreement and the Conservation Management Plan should be fully enforced to protect the valley and its remnant wetlands.
Are there any other comments you would like to make about Painkalac Creek?
Increases in population and continuing high-volume tourism occurring in our local area make the beauty and ecological richness of the valley of even more significance as a landscape feature deserving strong protection and rehabilitation. The Painkalac Creek Valley forms an integral part of Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven and should be included within the township boundaries. The adoption of Water Sensitive Urban Design Principles within these boundaries will help bolster the resilience of the valley. The Aireys Inlet and Fairhaven Drainage Study should also form an important part of this Flood Mitigation and Adaption Study.
Peter McPhee