Business & Rural
2 March, 2026
Flood recovery project tackles weir erosion
The 2022 and 2023 floods caused erosion in a bend of the river just downstream of the weir. Further flooding could see more erosion, connecting two parts of the river and bypassing the weir.
NORTH Central Catchment Management Authority will repair an eroded section of the Avoca River at Charlton to protect the town’s weir pool.
The first weir was built in the early 1900s, with the current structure built in 1984 as part of a project to revitalise the town. During regular flows, the weir holds the river back, creating a weir pool through the town.
The 2022 and 2023 floods caused erosion in a bend of the river just downstream of the weir. Further flooding could see more erosion, connecting two parts of the river and bypassing the weir.
“That would mean a dry river through town in the summer months,” North Central CMA flood recovery program manager Shenandoah Bruce said.
“We know how important the weir and the river are to the local community, and this work will ensure things stay the way the town wants them.”
Mr Bruce said the work will involve creating two rock chutes at the impacted area.
“The larger floods aren’t really an issue, because the water goes over the top and is a similar height on both sides of the weir,” he said.
“The trouble comes with the more frequent floods, the one-in-five-year events, when the water level downstream is lower.
“This causes erosion that will only get worse if nothing is done.”
Works will begin this February, partly closing the weir’s car park. A temporary track will be built across the river for construction access only.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments is undertaken in partnership with Buloke Shire. Works are expected to be finished in May.
Read More: Charlton