Wilson Inlet sandbar to open soon

Water Corporation is set to open the Wilson Inlet sandbar in Denmark in the coming weeks, following discussions with the Department of Water and Environment Regulation and the Shire of Denmark.

Water Corporation Great Southern Regional Manager Adrian Stewart said Wilson Inlet was close to reaching a water level where the sandbar could be safely opened under the protocol put in place in 2009.

“As water levels are predicted to rise, we are getting closer to reaching a trigger point for opening of the inlet,” Mr Stewart said.

“We anticipate the opening may occur towards the end of August with the actual date depending on local conditions on the day.”

Mr Stewart said the sandbar would be opened around a month later than last year, and he again expected a number of spectators will come to watch it occur.

“We will cordon off the area in which we will be working to ensure the safety of people on the beach,” Mr Stewart said.

“We also want to remind surfers to be mindful of the potential for changeable conditions in the vicinity of the opening, due to the increased exchange of water between the Inlet and the ocean.”

Mr Stewart said opening the bar was part of the plan to manage potential flooding in the area, with Water Corporation, the Shire of Denmark, and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation working together to determine the best time.

Fact File:

• The opening of the bar is governed by the Wilson Inlet Sandbar Opening Protocol and the water in the inlet must reach a certain minimum level before an opening is triggered.