Inlet opened as rising water threatens road

The Shire of Denmark opened the Irwin Inlet sandbar yesterday to reduce the possibility of flooding around Peaceful Bay.

The water level in the inlet reached 0.59m last week, close to its maximum of 0.77m.

Shire of Denmark chief executive Bill Parker said the inlet was usually opened each year for a few weeks or months, depending on the water level.

“Although the absolute maximum level reflects the road surface level of Peaceful Bay Road, the Shire will try to avoid the level getting too high and damaging the road pavement,” he said.

“The road is already showing signs of pavement failure in areas subject to flooding, and it’s critical that we keep the road structure as dry as possible to prolong the life of the asset.”

Mr Parker said the protocol for the inlet suggested it should be opened when the water levels were between 0.44m and 0.77m.

Irwin Inlet connects the Bow and the Kent rivers.

The inlet empties into Peaceful Bay and the Southern Ocean.

Wilson Inlet is another local inlet the Shire regularly opens to prevent flooding.

Last year, hundreds of people gathered to watch Shire and Water Corporation workers open the Wilson Inlet.