The recent rain across the MidCoast has been cause for both rejoicing and concern, but in Gloucester Park, there was cause for celebration as recent riverbank works proved to successfully hold out against rising waters.

Council's environment and waste coordinator in Gloucester, Tania Parkinson explains "the Gloucester River is subject to wide variations in river flow with river levels periodically exceeding four metres above the typical base flow".

When the river is in high-flow, areas of the river bank that have reduced or no vegetation are often subject to erosion.

"Back in 2013 there was major flooding in Gloucester and part of Gloucester Park's riverbank was under threat of erosion," Tania said.

"However thanks to funding from MidCoast Water and Local Land Services, we undertook works in 2016 to construct erosion control structures, undertake bank stabilisation works, remove weeds and replant the area with natives".

Rock armouring of the banks helps to protect them from erosion and the wooden pin groynes were placed in order to slow and redirect the water flow, and encourage sedimentation.

The riverbank was then battered to allow for the re-establishment of a vegetated fringe to help prevent any further erosion.

Last week's rain provided a litmus test for the effectiveness of these works and Tania and her team were watching closely.

"The Gloucester River rose over the walkway and into Minimbah Gardens over the weekend March 18 – 19, but we're very pleased to report that the damage caused by the flooding was minimal," Tania said.