Crooked River, like many other tidal lagoons, operates within natural cycles of opening and closing. When the river is closed, heavy rainfall causes water levels to rise until the river naturally breaks through the sand barrier at the entrance. 

Recent unauthorised attempts to manually open the river at Gerroa have raised concerns among locals about the long-term environmental impacts. 

While these actions may have been well-intentioned, illegal interference can cause significant harm to the ecosystem, according to local resident Warren Holder, who has observed the river’s cycles for over three decades.

“Understanding the complexity of these systems is key,” says Warren Holder. “What looks like a simple fix - grabbing a shovel and digging a trench - can actually make things worse. Protecting the river and ensuring it functions properly is something we can achieve by relying on expert management rather than individual intervention.”

This photo, taken from the footbridge looking up the river towards the road bridge on an incoming tide, highlights the excessive sand build-up in the river. Many will be surprised by the amount of sand now present in this section. Historically, closer to the road bridge, the riverbed was sandy—now, it has turned to mud, showing signs of long-term sedimentation issues.

Mr Holder believes that recent attempts to force the river open were flawed. 

“The first attempt with shovels was ineffective because the channel was too shallow, so very little sand was moved,” he explains. “The second attempt was more successful in releasing water, but because the channel was too wide, there still wasn’t enough force to shift the sand properly.” 

The result, he says, is that the sand that should have been taken out to sea, gradually replenishing the beach, is now sitting in the river instead. 

“This makes the entrance even more prone to closing every time big seas arrive, pushing even more sand back into the river,” he says.

Kiama Council policy allows the river to open naturally unless extreme circumstances require intervention. While this aligns with state guidelines, there is growing discussion about whether these should be updated to reflect new climate realities.

The key question now is whether Crooked River should have a formal trigger point for intervention. 

A trigger point would establish clear conditions - such as a specific water level or predicted extreme rainfall event - that automatically signals when action should be taken. 

Looking from the footbridge towards the river entrance, this image shows the extent to which trapped sand is clogging the river. Much of this sand should be out at sea, playing its natural role in replenishing the beach. Instead, it remains within the river system, disrupting the normal sand cycle and making closures more frequent.

Rather than relying on last-minute decisions or unauthorised interference, this approach would ensure openings are managed consistently and based on scientific criteria. A similar system is already in place at Werri Lagoon, where a set water level allows for controlled intervention when necessary, preventing unnecessary flooding and minimising environmental disruption.

Taken from the footbridge, this image focuses on the height of the beach sand above the high tide mark. Without proper sand replenishment, the river is increasingly vulnerable to closure. Large waves can more easily cross the beach between the vegetative dunes, pushing even more sand back into the river, further accelerating the cycle of blockage.

“We’re getting heavier downpours than ever before, and what worked in the past might not work anymore," says Mr Holder. “I understand why people are concerned about flooding risks, particularly for properties and the caravan park, before all the necessary approvals are obtained.

With that in mind, it may be time for all stakeholders - the council, state authorities, environmental experts, and the community - to come together and reassess the best way forward.

“But this is bigger than just one river. Many waterways are facing the same problems. If we don’t plan ahead, we’ll be stuck reacting to disasters instead of preventing them.”