The Inlet now has an outlet.

I recently got an email from a resident of Manila, Philippines to the effect that the Inlet was to be opened on 21 March.  This was going to happen so that it finished at low tide (1330).  We drove down on that day and had finished unpacking the car by 1530, so I took myself off.

So did quite a few other people!

On the way I noted the height of the water relative to the road ...

,,, the fish cleaning station and....

.... the wharf.

I had wondered how they would get earth moving equipment into the area.  The answer is to heap sand over the rocks at Bastion Point!

Excavator tracks - and notice the number of people on the beach.

Gippsland Ports had declared a no=go area near the outlet and sent a boat to monitor it.  I think this tinny driver got the word.

Some images of the channel.

There is obviously a good flow!

There was a lot of sand moved!  I think the Ranger calculated 2000 cubic metres in total (and I'm not sure is that included the ramp at Bastion Point).

The local kids turned up in force!

This was being monitored by a Ranger to ensure nothing dangerous happened.  He explained the role of the various agencies involved:

• The Gippsland Catchment Management Authority look at the theoretical aspects of the opening and decide when it could be done.  This seems a fair summary of the considerations.
• They get Parks Victoria to look after the operation (ie do the work); 
• Gippsland Ports are responsible for the maritime safety (ie keeping boats out of a dangerous area)

Basically all sensible when explained that way.

The next day (22 March) there is a good flow to the oceean

 .. and the water has started to carve its own way into the exit.

The opening is in a good spot as the area the waders are using is still accessible with dry feet.  This is a pair of Red-necked Stints.

Walking back along the beach a couple of very large dark gulls appeared,  (The nearest one is actually smaller and white - or Silver.)

They are Immature Pacific Gulls: note the massive bill.

The beach was well endowed with Bluebottles so shoes are good!