Hunter Street ecological restoration

Location: 14 Hunter Street, Burringbar

Status: Site restoration in progress (no public access)

Report an issue: If you see any damage, vandalism or safety concerns, please report it online.

Overview

Map showing site of the stormwater upgrade works at 14 Hunter Street.
Site of the stormwater upgrade works at 14 Hunter Street.

Tweed Shire Council has completed important stormwater system upgrades at 14Hunter Street, Burringbar, to reduce localised flooding and improve drainage.

Over the years, residents raised concerns about flooding during moderate storms. Investigations revealed the cause to be undersized stormwater pipes that could not adequately manage runoff.

In early 2025, we upgraded stormwater infrastructure in Hunter and Dignan Streets, including replacing the outlet into Burringbar Creek.

Environmental restoration works

Prior to construction, environmental assessments identified several threatened native plant species within the work area. To protect these species:

  • the plants were carefully removed in June 2023 and relocated to a nursery, where they were cared for throughout the construction period
  • once upgrade works were completed, the threatened species were successfully returned to the site in early 2025.
Photo of creek mat rush by a waterway. (Source: Greg Tasney)
Creek mat rush helps prevent erosion, improve waterway health and support habitat. (Source: Greg Tasney)

To further stabilise the site and improve the health of Burringbar Creek, Council planted 760 creek mat rush (Lomandra hystrix) – a native plant that:

  • prevents erosion
  • improves water quality
  • provides habitat and food for native wildlife.

A qualified ecological restoration contractor was engaged to carry out the planting and translocation and is contracted to maintain the site for the next 3 years following completion of the stormwater upgrade.

This restoration is not only part of our environmental commitment but also a legal requirement under our permit issued by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Minimising environmental impacts

All Council projects are assessed and approved under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to ensure construction impacts are minimised.

This project also required a permit under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, which included the condition to mass plant native species post-construction. Works were carried out with care and compliance with environmental obligations was closely monitored throughout the project.

Help us protect this area

Photo of mown creek mat rush (Lomandra hystrix) at the restoration site.
Mown creek mat rush (Lomandra hystrix) at the restoration site, damaging erosion control efforts.

Unfortunately, during a maintenance visit in May 2025, contractors found that:

  • many of the planted Lomandra had been mown
  • some threatened plants were broken or run over.

We ask for your support in protecting this important site and the native species it supports.

If you see any damage, vandalism or safety concerns, please report it online.

Legal protections for threatened species

Photo of threatened species damaged after restoration.
Threatened species damaged after restoration, highlighting the need for site protection.

Threatened flora species are protected under both the:

Damaging these species is a serious offence. Depending on the severity, individuals may face:

  • fines of up to $330,000 or imprisonment under NSW law
  • additional fines of up to $33,000 per plant destroyed
  • fines of up to $1.65 million under Commonwealth law.

Site access and ongoing works

To protect the site and meet permit conditions, we’re taking the following actions:

  • Temporary fencing and signage have been installed around the restoration area at 14 Hunter Street.
  • No pedestrian access through the restoration site – pedestrians will be redirected via the Hunter Street road reserve.
  • Increased site inspections and monitoring.
  • Weeding and planting using hand tools and machinery.
  • Ongoing maintenance by a specialist contractor for 3 years following the completion of the stormwater upgrade.

Motorists are not affected by these works.

Contact us

If you see any damage, vandalism or safety concerns, please report it online.

If you have concerns or require special arrangements during the site restoration period, please email our Environmental Scientist Gemma Bauld at tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6670 2400.

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