Crooked River at Gerroa is one of the area’s most popular spots for fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. However, its recent closure to the ocean has sparked debate among locals, with some taking matters into their own hands to reopen it. While their efforts may be well-meaning, experts warn that such actions could do more harm than good.

Crooked River is part of an Intermittently Closed and Open Lake and Lagoon (ICOLL) system.

These systems alternate between being open or closed to the sea depending on natural conditions. When rainfall is heavy, water levels in the river rise, breaking through the sand barrier at the entrance. This creates a channel and allows the river to flow freely into the ocean.

When tides and waves push sand back into the entrance, the channel gradually closes again. Studies show that Crooked River spends around 15% of the time closed, with periods of being open lasting anywhere from one week to five years.

Recent attempts by community members to reopen Crooked River involved shovels and possibly machinery, but the resulting partial opening was ineffective. Local resident Warren Holder explained, “The slower outflow didn’t dredge enough sand out to sea. The river remains shallow, and much of the sand is still there.” The sand that remains in the river creates slow water movement, making it harder for the river to stay open.

This disrupts the natural balance of sand redistribution, which replenishes beaches and raises the sand height above the high tide mark. Without this process, sand is more likely to wash back into the river, leading to further closures.

There are also environmental risks associated with premature openings. Improper actions can disturb acid sulphate soils, which release harmful substances into the water. This can cause fish kills, damage marine ecosystems, and leave the water unsuitable for recreation.

Kiama Council has a policy to allow Crooked River to open naturally unless there are extenuating circumstances. This policy aligns with state guidelines, which prioritise natural openings to protect fish habitats and water quality. The Council’s policy also recognises that flooding is not a significant risk for permanent dwellings near the river.

While monitoring continues, the Council has no plans to interfere unless conditions become extreme.

Crooked River’s natural cycles are essential for maintaining its ecosystem and protecting the surrounding environment. Intervening at the wrong time can create more long-term issues than it solves.

Holder added, “People need to understand that this is a natural process. We’ve seen it dozens of times - if you let nature take its course, the river will eventually correct itself.”

The best thing the community can do is to support evidence-based management and trust the natural process.

Kiama Council is working within established guidelines, and local groups like Landcare are excellent resources for understanding the complexities of ecosystems like Crooked River.

By allowing nature to take its course and avoiding unnecessary interference, we can ensure that Crooked River remains a vibrant and healthy part of our community for years to come.