FIVE LOCAL BEACHES CLOSED

Five beaches closed over poor water quality

BAYSIDE waters will be no-go zones for swimmers this weekend with water quality concerns prompting authorities to close at least five local beaches.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria has warned the community and visitors against swimming at bayside beaches this weekend and into next week due to run-off from rain around the state.

Eastern Beach, The Dell at Clifton Springs, Portarlington, St Leonards and Queenscliff's Santa Casa beach have all been closed over water quality concerns.

The authority’s marine specialist applied scientist Alison Kemp said run-off from heavy rain around the state flowing into Port Phillip Bay was the reason for the concerns.

“These heavy rains will result in poor water quality for a number of days,” she said.

“Heavy rains affect water quality in the bay because as the rain flows into stormwater drains, it collects everything from leaves and litter to animal wastes and chemicals. The stormwater then discharges into the bay.

“We know most people aren’t keen for a swim while it’s cold and raining, but poor water quality can persist for many days after the rain event when the weather may have improved.”

Isolated thunderstorms and showers are predicted to threaten the Geelong region today and tomorrow, adding to the meagre totals for the city that fell short of expectations at the end of the week.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Peter Newham said the hit-and-miss storms could be severe and bring up to 20mm for those directly in their path.

“The low pressure system has moved into southern NSW but will weaken and move over Victoria over the course of the weekend, so conditions will stay fairly humid and unstable because it’s not moving away,” he said.

Water quality forecasts will be issued daily until the final all-clear is given sometime next week. Summer lovers will be hoping water quality improves by the next warm day on Wednesday, expected to hit 28 after settled weather and days in the mid-20s on Monday and Tuesday.