THE mouth of the Hopkins River is again closed, just one day after machinery was brought in to artificially open it.
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Yesterday, trigger points for opening were reached and a channel was dug across the sand bar.
But less than 24- hours later, high tides and rough seas again closed the mouth.
Warrnambool City Council infrastructure services manager Glenn Reddick yesterday said the river reached the 1.5-metre trigger point and tests showed river oxygen levels were at a safe level for the opening not to kill fish.
“We need CMA approval and currently operate under a five-year permit. As long as we stick to that permit we do not need authority every time we open the river,” he said.
The water level at the weekend was well into the Warrnambool Water Ski Club car park.
A temporary walkway was needed to access the Spirit Of Warrnambool catamaran.
