Removal of South Creek Causeway at St Marys

The removal of a disused causeway, on South Creek at St Marys, will open up 34 kilometres of fresh water habitat for native fish in the area and improve water flow.

The project is being managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and has been funded by the Environmental Trust and the Penrith City Council.

Craig Copeland, Program Manager, Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation, NSW DPI, says the road crossing is acting as a barrier to the movement of fish.

“Physical barriers such as weirs and causeways have the potential to stop fish and other aquatic organisms from moving along the stream channel. This can lead to the isolation of populations, reduced breeding success and impact on the sustainability of fish populations.

“Removing this structure will be particularly beneficial for local species such as Australian bass and freshwater herring because they migrate between fresh and saltwater to spawn.

The structure was once used for vehicle access across South Creek, but is no longer necessary as a bridge is now located directly down stream.

“On behalf of the fish of the Hawkesbury/Nepean catchment I must congratulate the Council for recognising the need to restore the natural water flow and agreeing to remove the disused road crossing,” Mr Copeland said. 

A number of groups including the local aboriginal Land Council and Greening Australia were consulted about the removal and all agreed with the decision to reinstate fish passage.

It will take around three days to remove the structure completely, after which the site will be revegetated.