Avon River geomorphic investigation and waterway management plan

The Avon River is the largest incised stream in Victoria. The waterway has scoured to a depth of over 10 m below floodplain level and now has an active channel width of between 200 and 500 m. Incision in the Avon River and tributaries has liberated sediment which has been transported to downstream reaches. These processes have adversely affected river health values through the system.

Alluvium was engaged by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to undertake a geomorphic assessment of the system. We identified the reasons for and the rate of river channel change. We used river health objectives for the Avon River set out in the West Gippsland Regional River Health Strategy, and this understanding of channel change to develop a waterway management plan for the Avon River and its tributary streams.