A flood notch carved into beach sand at the rear of Farquhar Inlet at Old Bar remains as evidence that the Manning region recently had significant rain.
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As the region dries out, MidCoast Council reveals that it implemented the Farquhar Inlet Opening Strategy as river heights rose.
Council's manager natural systems, Gerard Tuckerman says conversations during the rain event with the State Emergency Service (SES), oysters farmers and community members resulted in the decision to proceed with the creation of a flood notch.
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"A flood notch is a low point placed at the rear of the beach at Farquhar" Mr Tuckerman explained. "If flood waters reach 1.6 metres at Farquhar, the flood notch can be easily breached to allow water to flow out to the sea."
“The diggers came and began work, but as work proceeded on Friday March 23), it became apparent that the required river height wouldn't reach 1.6 metres. The river peaked at 1.27 metres at Farquhar on Friday / Saturday, below minor flood level.
“Unless the river height reaches 1.6 metres at Farquhar, it is not feasible to open the inlet to the sea - because there is not sufficient water to create hydraulic force needed to ensure an effective opening. The prepared notch will now remain in place at Farquhar, in case it’s needed in the coming months.”
Mr Tuckerman commended the collaborative decision making process with the SES, oyster farmers and community members.
"We were extremely grateful for the input and information provided to us by oyster farmers and the community. We place a high value on this open exchange of information to allow us to make the appropriate decisions and keep everyone informed.
"Working together was effective, and proves that if we get another event we are ready to undertake action as needed.”