Maher, W.;

In the summer of 2010/11, a series acidification events occurred in the Anglesea River estuary causing a series of substantial fish death events and closure of the estuary for recreational users for several months. The Anglesea community is understandably concerned at the recent ecological damage to the Anglesea River and consequent effects on tourism. Community concerns have focused on the need for a better understanding of the cause(s) of the events and have resulted in suggestions to moderate their effects. A consulting report has already considered the possible remediation options in the estuary itself (Water Technology 2010).

In response to growing community concerns about the health of the Anglesea River, in April 2011 the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Ryan Smith, announced an independent investigation with the following terms of reference:

• Review the history of acid events in the Anglesea estuary.
• Identify sources of acidic water and metals to the estuary.
• Investigate the role of specific factors that are concern to the community, such as, the role of land use in the catchment, licensed discharge into the river and water extraction.
• Review options for remediation of poor quality water originating from the catchment.