Gosford Water Survey 1 - Gosford City Council

Report 

Gosford Water Quality Survey Stage 1 Report – Community 

Consultation, Field Investigation and Sampling Design 

For 

Gosford City Council 

February 2000

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46\WR004530\Reports\Report1.doc 

June 2002

Australian Water Technologies 

Gosford Water Quality Survey Stage 1 Report – Community Consultation, Field Investigation and Stage 2 Sampling Design 

Executive Summary 

In November 1999, AWT was commissioned by Gosford City Council to 

carry out a water quality survey to investigate water quality problems in 

three creeks in the Brisbane Water catchment. The creeks Narara, Erina and 

Kincumber were targeted following water quality results from a monitoring 

program established in 1996. The survey was established to localise 

problem areas within these catchments. 

The survey is in three stages. Stage 1 comprised a community consultation 

process and field investigation to establish issues relating to water quality in 

the catchment, the values the local community holds for the creek systems 

and catchment ‘hot spots’ or specific problem areas. Stage 2 is a broad scale 

water sampling and analysis program to identify tributaries with elevated 

pollutant levels, and Stage 3 will further localise areas with elevated 

pollutant levels. The outcomes of Stage 1 are presented in this report. 

The consultation process carried out in December 1999 identified values that 

are common for all three catchments. Local residents see the value of the 

creek systems in terms of active and passive recreation, ecological 

requirements for biodiversity, commercial uses, and cultural and historical 

significance. A general feeling is held by the local residents that these 

values have been partially or completely lost as a result of numerous issues. 

These include degraded water quality, altered drainage patterns, sediment 

erosion, nuisance weed growth, increased presence of rubbish, plant debris 

and increased urban development. 

During the community consultation process, several approaches were put 

forward as to how the situation could be improved. These include 

revegetation of riparian zones, better controls on developments including 

application approvals and development site controls, increased community 

education and awareness, litter and debris removal and improved source 

controls. 

The field investigation carried out in early January 2000 confirmed many of 

the observations made in the community consultation process, identified 

issues that related to specific areas of the catchment and identified 

appropriate water quality sampling locations for Stage 2 of the survey. 

Page 3 of 33



Contents 

1 Introduction 6 

1.1 Background 6 

1.2 The Survey 6 

Stage 1 6 

Stage 2 6 

Stage 3 6 

2 Stage 1 Approach 7 

3 Outcomes of Community Consultation 8 

3.1 

Kincumber Creek Catchment 8 

Catchment Values 8 

Catchment Issues 9 

Catchment ‘Hot Spots’ 10 

Community Vision for Kincumber Creek Catchment 11 

3.2 

Erina Creek Catchment 11 




Community Vision for Erina Creek Catchment 13 

3.3 

Narara Creek Catchment 14 




Community Vision for Narara Creek Catchment 17 

4 Outcomes of Field Investigation 18 

4.1 Kincumber Creek Catchment 18 

4.2 Erina Creek Catchment 19 

4.3 Narara Creek Catchment 19 

5 Community Consultation - Summary of Findings 21 

6 Recommendations for Stage 2 23 

7 Conclusions 27 

8 References 28 

Page 4 of 33



List of Tables 

Table 3.1: Values for Kincumber Creek catchment 8 

Table 3.2: Issues for Kincumber Creek catchment 9 

Table 3.3: Kincumber Catchment ‘hot spots’ location and problem 10 

Table 3.4: Values for Erina Creek catchment 11 

Table 3.5: Issues for Erina Creek catchment 12 

Table 3.6: Erina Catchment ‘hot spots’ location and problem 13 

Table 3.7: Values for Narara Creek catchment 14 

Table 3.8: Issues for Narara Creek catchment 15 

Table 3.9: Narara Creek catchment ‘hot spots’ location and problem 16 

Table 6.1: Stage 2 Kincumber Creek sampling locations and justifications 24 

Table 6.2: Stage 2 Erina Creek sampling locations and justifications 25 

Table 6.3: Stage 2 Narara Creek sampling locations and justifications 26 

List of Maps 

Map 6.1: Stage 2 Kincumber Creek water sampling locations 24 

Map 6.2: Stage 2 Erina Creek water sampling locations 25 

Map 6.3: Stage 2 Narara Creek water sampling locations 26 

Appendixes 

Appendix A Field Investigation Observations 29 

Page 5 of 33



1 Introduction 

1.1 Background 

Since 1996, Gosford City Council has been conducting a water quality 

monitoring program for Brisbane Water, its major tributaries and the coastal 

lagoons. Results from that program have shown degraded water quality in 

several of the major tributaries (Laxton 1999). 

In 1999, Gosford City Council commissioned AWT to carry out a water 

quality survey on three of those tributaries: Kincumber Creek, Erina Creek 

and Narara Creek. This was to aid in the identification of sources or causes 

of the degraded water, and to make recommendations to Council of ways of 

reducing the existing level of degradation. 

1.2 The Survey 

The water quality survey initiated by Gosford Council comprises three 

stages: a community consultation process and catchment investigation 

(Stage 1), a broad scale water sampling program (Stage 2) and a small scale 

sampling program (Stage 3). 

Stage 1 

Stage 1 of the survey was designed as an information gathering process to 

aid in the identification of the most appropriate water sampling sites for 

Stage 2 water quality assessment. In addition, the process was used to obtain 

views from local residents and stakeholder groups on catchment values and 

issues and to seek input into future management directions. 

This report details the outcomes of Stage 1 of the survey. 

Stage 2 

Stage 2 of the survey will be used to assess water quality at the base of 

several tributaries and drainage channels entering Kincumber, Narara and 

Erina creeks (sites identified in Stage 1). This stage will be used to identify 

those sub-catchments that contribute significantly to degraded water quality 

during dry and wet weather flow conditions. A report will be presented to 

Council with a list of sub-catchments recommended for investigation in 

Stage 3. Stage 3 will then assess these sub-catchments. 

Stage 3 

Stage 3 of the survey will be used to identify local sources and causes of 

degraded water quality within the catchments. The report prepared for this 

stage will also include recommendations on ways to progress the survey 

initiative. 

Page 6 of 33



2 Stage 1 Approach 

Stage 1 of the Gosford Water Quality Survey was carried out between 

December 1999 and January 2000. It was designed to inform the community 

about the study, to gauge views about the catchment held by local residents 

and to gain local knowledge of water quality issues and problem areas in the 

catchments. This information would then be used in the design of work 

carried out through the remainder of the survey. 

The first step in the process was the production of a brochure that was 

delivered to all residents within the three catchment areas (Kincumber, Erina 

and Narara creeks). In addition, the brochures were delivered to stakeholder 

groups including the Brisbane Water Catchment Management Committee. 

The brochure presented some background information on water quality 

issues and a map of the creek system within each of the catchments. The 

brochure also invited local residents to participate in the survey process by 

identifying problem areas on a map of their catchment area and returning 

them to Council or by attending a public meeting to discuss the issues. 

An open meeting hosted by AWT was held for each of the catchments. 

Dates and times for the meetings were advertised in the local newspaper. A 

meeting for the Kincumber Creek catchment was held at the Green Point 

Community Centre on 13/12/99, the Erina Creek catchment at the Erina 

Progress Hall on 14/12/99 and the Narara Creek catchment at Wyoming 

Community Centre on 16/12/99. 

The meetings involved an initial presentation by AWT providing 

background information on the survey, general information on water and 

stormwater quality issues and an introduction to an open discussion. The 

open discussions were centred around identifying the values that local 

residents placed on the creek system and the catchment, their issues relating 

to environmental qualities of the system, identification of problem areas 

within the catchment and determining how they would like to see the 

condition of their local catchment. The information gathered from this 

process is presented in Section 3 of this report. 

The above information was collated and summarised prior to a field 

investigation in early January 2000. The field investigation involved 

travelling around the catchments, viewing the problem areas and issues 

identified, assessing flow conditions in drainage channels within the 

catchments and identifying appropriate sites for the Stage 2 water quality 

assessment. The sites recommended and justification for the choice of these 

sites is presented in Section 6 of this report. 

Page 7 of 33



3 Outcomes of Community Consultation 

Attendances at the meetings were lower than expected, which may have 

been a result of the minimal lead in time from the mail out of the brochures 

or the timing of the meetings in relation to Christmas and school holidays. 

Five people attended the Kincumber meeting and 16 brochures were 

returned, eight people attended the Erina meeting and 15 brochures were 

returned, and twelve people attended the Narara meeting and 20 brochures 

were returned. Valuable information was obtained from those participants. 

To ensure an increased participation rate in any future public consultations, a 

longer lead in period will be required to allow notifications to be better 

circulated. 

3.1 Kincumber Creek Catchment 

Catchment Values 

Catchment values are seen by the community to give value to the catchment 

in terms of how the catchment is or was used and enjoyed by residents, 

visitors and its biota. The values identified in the Kincumber Creek 

community consultation have been grouped into several categories (Table 

3.1). 

Table 3.1: Values for Kincumber Creek catchment 

Category 

Cultural 

Passive Recreation 

Active Recreation 

Commercial 

Environment 

Description of Value 

• historical such as previous use of creek for 

boating 

• archaeological including aboriginal heritage 

sites, middens 

• provision of community focus and identity 

• educational uses (such as Water Watch and 

nature studies) 

• picnics, walking 

• scenic and landscape values 

• fishing 

• swimming 

• oyster farming 

• need for natural flows 

• water and land suitable to sustain 

biodiversity. 

Page 8 of 33



Catchment Issues 

Catchment issues identified in the community consultation process included 

issues relating to water quality and loss of amenity. These issues are 

generalised problems that have lead to diminished value of the catchment 

and ultimately degraded quality of the waterways. The issues identified are 

categorised and summarised in Table 3.2. 

Table 3.2: Issues for Kincumber Creek catchment 

Category 

Water Quality 

Waterways 

Access 

Environment 

Description of Issue 

• loss of water clarity through erosion of 

unconsolidated particulates in the catchment 

• odours from sewage and other sources 

• slime on rocks through algal growth / excess 

nutrients 

• pathogens in the water from sewage and 

stormwater 

• gross pollutants in waterways and drainage 

channels including domestic and commercial 

litter and garden refuse. No Gross Pollutant 

Traps (GPTs) in catchment 

• stream and drainage channel flows changed 

through development and encroaching 

vegetation 

• erosion of unconsolidated areas in the 

catchment, no kerb and guttering or erosion 

control of areas such as unpaved driveways 

• build up of silt and sediment in stormwater 

drains, tributaries and the bay that has been 

washed from the catchment 

• closure of oyster leases following large 

rainfall events 

• loss of creek through changes in drainage 

patterns 

• loss of access through urban encroachment 

• closing up of creek from overgrown 

vegetation 

• depletion and loss of fish 

• loss of mussel beds in Kincumber 

Broadwater 

• loss of other biodiversity 

• health of seagrass beds in bay 

• clearing of vegetation by developers 

• large areas of impervious surfaces in medium 

density developments increase runoff 

volumes 

• vegetation encroachment and weeds 

Page 9 of 33



Catchment ‘Hot Spots’ 

The catchment hot spots are those areas identified by the local residents 

through the community meeting or returned brochures that have specific 

environmental problems. These are listed in Table 3.3. 

Table 3.3: Kincumber Catchment ‘hot spots’ location and problem 

Location 

Waterfront Kincumber 

Broadwater behind 

Kincumber Hotel 

Problem Description 

Loss of fish and crabs; slime and other pollution 

in water 

Entrance to creek Minimal tidal flushing resulting in mud buildup / 

siltation in bay, and excessive algal growth 

resulting in slimes on rock surfaces 

Southern Ocean Yachts 

boat ramp 

Creek and boat ramp 

opposite Kincumber boat 

building factories 

Upstream from boat ramp 

Lower Kincumber Creek 

Kincumber Creek d/s 

Empire Bay Drive 

End of Gunya Rd 

Kincumber Creek at 

Empire Bay Drive 

Frost Reserve 

Opposite industrial area 

(near Empire Bay Dr) 

Quarry 

Oberton St 

Tip 

Creek under footbridge 

between Kookaburra and 

Kingfisher Sts Kincumber 

Dundulla Rd stormwater 

pipes 

Opposite No 11 Booragal 

Wilky King St Sorowaga 

and Sun Valley Road 

Proposed golf course 

Odours noted and oily / greasy water observed 

Foul state, near sewerage plant, measured high 

faecal coliforms, dumped cars, fishkills, 

botulism in ducks, blames leak from sewerage 

plant 

Regular oily slick and rubbish with incoming 

tide especially when large boats moored 

Weed encroachment 

Water turns black 

Domestic litter and sediment buildup 

Visual pollution and domestic litter, question of 

culvert design in terms of fisheries regulations 

Previously a landfill site, possible contaminated 

leachate problem 

white film in drain water, possibly from concrete 

works 

Sediment transported from site into creek system 

Domestic litter and garden refuse in gutters 

Possible contaminated leachate 

Murky, dirty water, rubbish dumped 

Frothy scum observed 

Silt built up in open drain 

Run off from old drain 

Concern over effect on existing biological 

communities including various frog species 

Page 10 of 33



Community Vision for Kincumber Creek Catchment 

Through the community meeting, a vision for the desired future of 

Kincumber Creek was developed. In essence, this vision is to halt 

degradation of water quality and work towards restoring the qualities of the 

creek system. The specific objectives leading towards realisation of this 

vision are: 

• to remove gross pollutants including domestic and commercial litter 

and garden refuse from drainage channels 

• to improve water quality to a level suitable for primary contact 

activities (eg swimming and wading) and to sustain a diverse range 

of aquatic life 

• to restore riparian vegetation zones to reduce erosion, sedimentation, 

nutrient inputs and aid in restoration of natural stream flows 

• to halt development proximate to the creek 

• to encourage and educate the community with a sense of stewardship 

over the creek 

• to better enforce existing by-laws and legislation relating to pollution 

of waterways 

• to restore creek access to the public. 

3.2 Erina Creek Catchment 


The values identified in the Erina Creek community consultation have been 

grouped into several categories shown in Table 3.4: 

Table 3.4: Values for Erina Creek catchment 

Category 

Cultural 



Commercial 

Environment 

• historical 


• knowing it’s there to be used and enjoyed 


• fishing 

• boating 

• swimming 

• oyster farming 

• water extraction for irrigation, watering 

purposes 



biodiversity. 

Page 11 of 33




The catchment issues identified for the Erina Creek catchment are 


Table 3.5: Issues for Erina Creek catchment 

Category 



Behaviour 




• contamination of water from septic overflows 

• pollution of waterways and drainage channels 

through litter including plastic bags, odours 

from sewage and other sources 

• stagnation of water & mosquito infestation 



vegetation 

• flooding 




• inappropriate boating, speed indication signs 

not obeyed, wash from boats eroding banks 

• lack of communication and coordination 

between agencies 

• illegal dumping in tributaries 

Environment 

Urban management 

• depletion and loss of fish and other aquatic 

species including seagrasses 

• excessive weed growth along river bank 

resulting in reduced creek access and choking 

the creek 

• loss of native aquatic plant species 

• litter in gutters from lack of street sweeping 

• over-development 

• impervious surfaces in medium density 

developments 

• lack of sediment control on building sites 

• increased traffic and resulting pollutants in 

street runoff 

• lack of controls on industry, including home 

industry 

• need for controls on properties with animals 

and stock 

• lack of kerb and guttering 

• insufficient maintenance of stormwater drains 

Page 12 of 33




‘Hot spots’ identified through the community consultation process in the 

Erina Creek catchment are listed in Table 3.6. 

Table 3.6: Erina Catchment ‘hot spots’ location and problem 

Nunns Creek 

Location 

Worthing Creek 

Bank erosion 

Generally polluted 


Sarah Rd Flow restricted through weed growth and 

siltation. Foul odour and murky water noted 

Yerin Bridge 

Reserve at Lingi St 

Matcham Valley headwaters 

Industrial areas 

Karalta Rd 

Erina Creek at the Entrance 

Rd 

tributary leading towards 

Bradys Gully Rd 

Vandalism and dumping of rubbish including 

shopping trolleys and domestic rubbish. Foul 

odours also noted 

Rubbish dumping 

Community Vision for Erina Creek Catchment 

Flooding and siltation from flow restricting 

culverts. Concern over water extraction for stock 

watering. Odour and creek choking by weed 

infestation also noted 

Quality and quantity of runoff from impervious 

industrial areas 

Concern over quality of runoff from development 

areas 

Car in creek, surrounding areas clogged with 

dumped refuse (cars, washing machines, asbestos 

waste etc) 

Oily film on water; rubbish; spillage from BFI 

bins near stormwater drains weeds and lack of 

environmental management, illegal agistment of 

horses cnr Springfield Rd 

The vision put forward by the Erina Creek catchment community is to see no 

further degradation of stream flows and water quality; to restore the creek to 

its pre-development depth; and to increase the width of the riparian zone. To 

realise this vision, the following actions were put forward by the local 

community: 

• change development controls so that development applications are 

required to demonstrate that no further stress will be added to the 

hydrology of the catchment 

• encourage Bushcare and other community groups to instigate projects 

for restoring riparian vegetation zones. Support flow-on effects of 

revegetation projects to initiate projects for restoring creeks to more 

natural systems 

• better communication and co-ordination between environmental and 

community groups to better utilise available funds and resources. 

Page 13 of 33



3.3 Narara Creek Catchment 


The values identified in the Narara Creek community consultation have been 

grouped into several categories (Table 3.7). 

Table 3.7: Values for Narara Creek catchment 

Category 

Cultural 



Commercial 

Environment 

• historical 


• educational potential for community and 

school groups 

• sense of ownership and community identity 

for the creek environment 


• bird watching 

• peaceful quiet area 

• fishing 

• children playing 

• boating 

• water extraction for irrigation, other watering 

purposes 


• major flood water drainage channel 

• habitat for various species 


biodiversity. 


The catchment issues identified for the Narara Creek catchment are 


Page 14 of 33



Table 3.8: Issues for Narara Creek catchment 

Category 



• pollution of waterways in wet weather from 

runoff from industrial sites 

• poor quality of road runoff 



• pollution of waterways and drainage channels 

through litter, including plastic bags 


Access 

Behaviour 

Environment 



vegetation 




– lack of 

sediment traps / controls 

• Loss of access to creek 

• need for further education eg signage about 

catchment management issues 

• lack of response by Council to complaints by 

residents 

• effect of poor water quality (litter, oil etc) on 

mangrove communities 

• deterioration of environment through 

development cycle 

Urban management • litter in gutters and many drainage channels / 

creeks – lack of street sweeping 

• over-development and encroachment of 

development on creek 

• lack of strategic direction in catchment 

development 

• concern over Chamberlain Rd development, 

Reptile Park and other developments so close 

to creek. Call for more stringent controls on 

development 

• concern over old garbage dumps / landfill 

sites and potential for new one. Question of 

proposed landfill at Niagara Park. 

• Lack of enforcement of environmental 

legislation 


‘Hot spots’ identified through the community consultation process in the 

Narara Creek catchment are listed in Table 3.9. 

Page 15 of 33



Table 3.9: Narara Creek catchment ‘hot spots’ location and problem 

Location 

Minor tributary in upper catchment, 

adjacent to Haggerty Drive 

Wingello Creek – dissected oxbow 

bend between the Pacific Highway 

and the railway, “no man’s land” 

Taylor Road and Pacific Highway; 

Chamberlain Road 

Saw mill next to Pacific Highway, 

near train station, upper catchment 

Drainage line between Goonak and 

Karina Streets, middle catchment 

Mann Street where Brady’s Gully 

passes under the railway line, near 

Ahora Road. 

Between tennis courts and high 

school, between Faunce Street and 

Racecourse Road 

Creek between Yandina and Nell’s 

Road also one near Merinee Road. 

Old railway dam in upper, western 

catchment 

Drainage line north of Grieve Road 

down from Debenham Road. 

Wingello Creek near Turpentine Rd 

Small St & Darryl Rd 


Reports of general pollution, weed growth, 

development in area – sediment, etc 

Potential for reserve, some remnant vegetation. Used 

to be a dairy, plans to extend road along edge, acts as 

flood basin 

Lisarow Wetlands threatened by sediment in runoff 

from new developments. No protection from pollution. 

Reports of discharge of large volumes of wastewater 

from saw mill site into adjacent creek line. 

Reports of Streamwatch monitoring showing low 

oxygen and high turbidity. Highly degraded. 

Fruit shop – containers, rubbish is spread around by 

youths. 

Old creosote tank that was used by Electricity 

Company. Surrounded with bund with drainage outlet 

in it – discharging to adjacent creek. Residents showed 

photos of site, said approximately 8 years ago last seen. 

Is it still there or has the site been remediated? 

Downstream of industrial area, cement plant. 

Reports of rubbish, needles especially. 

risk. 

Polluted 

Poses health 

Weeds, litter including shopping trolleys, yellow & 

oily in dry weather. 

Gutters clogged with leaf and domestic litter 

Creek along Chamberlain Rd General pollution, stagnant water, overgrown, 

mosquitoes 

Industrial development at Manns 

Rd near Dell Rd 

Creek along Warrawilla Rd 

Pecan Close Reserve 

Wingello Creek between Jarrett St 

& Maidens Brush Rd 

Bradys Gully into Narara creek – 

Cary Rd to Henry Parry Dr 

Around 37-39 Hanlan St 

Reeves St 

Gosford High School, Showground 

Rd 

Discoloured water 

General pollution and noxious weed growth 

Noxious weeds and concern over fire hazard and poor 

stream flows 

Weeds and domestic litter 

Overgrown with trees 

Erosion of top soil and odours from animals on 

property 

Erosion of unsealed road 

Blocked drains with leaves and domestic litter 

Page 16 of 33



Location 

Waterway in Allan Davidson Park 

Day St/Allan Davidson oval 

Day St Wyoming 

Narara Creek and tributaries from 

Carrington St/Deanne Road area 


Branches, bins and other refuse dumped near the foot 

crossing 

oily film and orange/brown slime 

concrete channel under Day St: west side has much 

rubbish; east side is overgrown impeding flows and 

causing stagnation 

dumping of rubbish and contents of clothing charity 

bins. Oily residue on water. Rusty coloured water. 

112 Newling St, Lisarow adjacent stormwater creek choked with weeds, much 

rubbish, rat infested 

Narara Creek near Manns Rd 

Wingello Creek, behind 

old 

Wyoming Hospital and alongside 

The Willows 

frequent sightings of debris, cardboard boxes 

silted up, many exotic plants growing 

Community Vision for Narara Creek Catchment 

The vision put forward by the Narara Creek catchment community is to see 

an increased awareness by the general community of the values of the creeks 

and waterways, which will lead to improved practices and improved 

condition of the catchment. To realise this vision, the following actions 

were put forward by the local community: 

• encourage groups such as Streamwatch and “adopt-a-creek” and other 

schemes for involving the community such as the environmental 

competitions between schools run by Wyong Council, and establishing 

groups such as ‘Friends of Narara Creek’ 

• increased resourcing in Council to enforce environmental legislation 

• increased environmental education for school groups, general public 

and property developers 

• initiate source control measures for litter and other pollutants 

• use Internet to disseminate information to public. Already established 

for Wingello Creek 

Page 17 of 33



4 Outcomes of Field Investigation 

A field investigation was undertaken of the Kincumber, Erina and Narara 

creek catchments on 11-12/1/2000 during a period of light rainfall that 

resulted in a small increase in runoff from dry weather flow conditions. 

Observations made during the investigation are presented in Appendix A. 

‘Hot spots’ identified through the community consultation process were 

visited and an overview of the catchment was made. 

Although areas in the catchment were found to have specific issues (refer to 

Appendix A), a number of general observations were made that were 

pertinent to much of the catchment. 

4.1 Kincumber Creek Catchment 

The Kincumber Creek catchment has been largely developed with few 

potential development areas remaining. In the northern catchment area, 

residential and low-lying bushland areas border the estuarine section of the 

creek. The creek discharges into Kincumber (Cockle) Broadwater with 

fringing mangroves and mud banks around the bay and along the lower 

creek. Large amounts of rubbish were found along the bay foreshore and in 

the lower creek and the bushland areas were overgrown with weeds 

including lantana. 

Several small tributaries drain the north of the catchment, which includes a 

small shopping centre, new retirement villages and new and established 

housing. Bordering the developed areas is bushland that extends to the top 

of the catchment. The edge of the bushland was found to have extensive 

weed growth. Issues relating to runoff from this area include potentially 

elevated nutrient levels from gardens, contaminated street runoff and litter. 

Flow observed in the tributaries was discoloured but the appearance 

suggested the discolouration may have been due mostly to fine particulates 

possibly accumulated on impervious surfaces rather than eroded sediment 

from the small areas of unconsolidated surfaces. 

Along the south of the estuarine section of the creek, several industries may 

have an impact on the creek if effective on-site runoff controls are not in 

place. The potential impact is from a variety of chemicals used in the 

various industries. 

Where Empire Bay Dr crosses Kincumber St, the stormwater system 

effectively acts as a weir, halting further upstream tidal flows. Extensive 

weed growth was also observed throughout the area. Numerous signs are in 

place stating a revegetation scheme is in progress however there is little 

evidence of any progress in the area. 

Further to the south, the creek drains a low lying area that has little or no dry 

weather flow. The tributary to the south is below ground until immediately 

downstream of Empire Bay Drive. From the topography in this area, it 

appears that the sewage treatment plant (STP) located to the south of 

Kincumber Creek would have little direct impact on the tributary. The major 

issue with the STP would therefore be odours or any exfiltration / overflows 

from the sewerage system leading to the STP. 

Page 18 of 33



The great majority of the eastern catchment has been recently developed into 

residential areas. Some small areas are still under development but the 

majority of the area appears to be established with few areas of unpaved or 

non-vegetated areas. In the area, a large amount of plant debris was 

observed along with a moderate amount of litter in the drainage channels, 

particularly roadside drains. A small area of bushland was observed in the 

upper catchment containing substantial weed areas. The major runoff issues 

for this area would therefore be nutrient levels, the quality of road runoff and 

gross pollutants (rubbish, plant debris). 

Kincumber Rubbish Tip is located in the far east of the catchment. There is 

potential for leachate and sediment erosion problems associated with this 

area if effective on-site controls are not in place. The water downstream 

from the tip was observed to be discoloured although the appearance was not 

of eroded sandy sediments. 

4.2 Erina Creek Catchment 

Erina Creek catchment comprises a relatively small developed area in the 

lower catchment with large rural and semi-rural areas in the remainder of the 

catchment. Along the western side of the creek, new developments are 

under construction or have been recently completed. Small drainage 

channels and tributaries pass through these developments with some water 

quality control measures such as detention ponds evident downstream of the 

developments. Areas of development and unpaved or non-vegetated areas 

may be contributing substantial quantities of sediment to Erina Creek. 

In the south-east of the catchment, there is an area of new and established 

housing and a commercial zone along The Entrance Rd. With the exception 

of household gardens, this area is comprised largely of impervious surfaces 

that will lead to a large proportion of rainfall being converted to runoff. This 

increases the flow into Erina Creek substantially and has led to some bank 

erosion in tributaries such as Nunns Creek. The relatively high density of 

urban activities in the area has also resulted in a problem with domestic 

rubbish entering many of the drainage channels, ultimately being washed 

into Erina Creek and found along high tide lines. 

The majority of the developed area of the catchment discharges directly to 

the estuarine section of Erina Creek and so much of the impact made on the 

waterway will not be measured in the creek’s tributaries. 

In the upper catchment, rural and semi-rural properties cover the great 

majority of the area. Along the creek, weeds including lantana were found 

although generally not as dense as they were in the Narara Creek catchment. 

Reeds and grasses were found in many sections of the tributaries. The 

vegetation appeared to have a restricting effect on the flow. Ponded sections 

in rural areas were often densely vegetated. 

4.3 Narara Creek Catchment 

The catchment area to the west of Narara Creek, extending into the bushland 

areas to the plateau, was found to contain large amounts of domestic rubbish. 

Cleared areas away from main roads were found to be prime dumping 

grounds for large domestic goods including cars, white goods and furniture. 

Smaller rubbish (plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, plant debris etc) was found 

in the great majority of drainage channels, particularly roadside drains 

Page 19 of 33



throughout the western catchment and into the estuarine section of Narara 

Creek. 

Large areas of unconsolidated surfaces were also found in the western 

catchment area, particularly unsealed roads, driveways and cleared, nonvegetated 

areas resulting in large amounts of sediments being eroded from 

the catchment. These sediments were found deposited in numerous points 

along the drainage channels causing flow restriction and ponding during low 

flow conditions. These conditions can lead to mosquito infestation and the 

creation of an anaerobic environment with unpleasant odours. During high 

flow conditions, these sediments are removed from the drainage channels to 

be deposited in the estuarine section of Narara Creek or in Brisbane Water 

leading to a shallowing of the waterway. 

Another major issue in the western Narara Creek catchment and the upper 

catchment tributaries was the presence of large numbers of weeds in the 

riparian zone. At the majority of creek access points, the creek was 

overgrown with various weeds including lantana and vines. These weeds, in 

conjunction with the sediment deposited in the creek, have led to a choking 

of the creek system with restricted flows in many drainage lines through the 

western catchment. The weed growth has also resulted in restricted access to 

the creek in those areas that have not been used for residential or commercial 

developments. 

In the lower western catchment, numerous industries are located along 

Manns Rd, adjacent to the estuarine section of Narara Creek. The area 

contains industries such as motor repairs, garden supplies and scrap metal. 

There is the potential for contaminated runoff from these sites discharging 

directly into the estuarine section of Narara Creek if effective on-site runoff 

controls are not in place. 

The eastern Narara Creek catchment is largely a residential / light 

commercial area with fringing bushland in the steeper sloping areas of the 

catchment. In the upper catchment there are some industries along the 

railway line, including scrap metal industries, which may again lead to 

contaminated runoff without effective on-site controls. A major issue for 

this part of the catchment is runoff from the developed areas including 

nutrient runoff from properties, zinc from old roofs and hydrocarbons / lead 

from road runoff. 

Wingello and Wyoming creeks also have flow restriction issues through 

vegetation in the creeks although there is generally less weed growth along 

the creek banks than other parts of the catchment. This has allowed creek 

access in some areas. Litter is also less of a problem in the eastern 

catchment. 

Page 20 of 33



5 Community Consultation - Summary of Findings 

The community consultation process has shown that the local residents from 

the three different catchments share many common views about their local 

environment. Residents see the value of the creek systems as recreational 

areas to be enjoyed both actively and passively. They see value in a 

commercial sense through provision of water from the creeks to rural 

properties and as the basis of aquaculture industries such as oyster farming 

and fishing. They see the value to the environment as providing a habitat for 

a diverse range of terrestrial and aquatic species of plants and animals. 

Finally, there is a sense of community around the creek systems with the 

value of knowing the creeks are there and knowing how the creeks have 

been used in the past, before European settlement and in more recent times. 

There is however a great sense of loss over the current condition of the 

creeks and their catchments. The general perception is held that, with 

increasing urbanisation, the quality of the catchment environment has 

steadily declined and the creek system has become degraded. There are 

common concerns over issues including: 

• erosion of the catchment, in particular development sites, with the 

eroded sediments reducing the clarity of the waterways, clogging the 

drainage channels and ultimately filling in the receiving bays, 

• urban developments encroaching on the creek resulting in reduced 

access and less opportunity to enjoy the creek, 

• contamination of water through leaking, overflowing sewage or septic 

systems and contaminated runoff from home and industrial sites, 

• choking of the creek system through uncontrolled growth of noxious 

weeds, 

• poor litter controls with the creeks and drainage channels often 

becoming a dumping ground from domestic and commercial litter, 

garden refuse and other gross pollutants. This also has the effect of 

reducing the aesthetic qualities of the catchment, 

• disturbances to the natural flow regime of the catchment by weirs, 

inadequate culverts, weed infestation and siltation 

• perceived inadequate controls of new developments, 

• insufficient resources to enforce existing environmental legislation 

• the negative effects of all of these factors on biodiversity and the 

ecosystem. 

Numerous suggestions were put forward by residents as to means of 

combating these problems, however, they can generally be reduced to 

several actions. They are: 

• to better educate landholders (industrial and residential) about 

environmental issues. In particular, the processes and effects involved 

with rainfall, runoff and other discharges from there properties into the 

drainage / creek system. This in turn should lead to processes of 

encouraging on-site control of potential pollution sources; 

Page 21 of 33



• to encourage and fund Bushcare and other community groups to actively 

promote removal of noxious weeds and revegetation of the catchment, in 

particular riparian zones, with appropriate native species. Also to 

encourage a sense of stewardship by the community over the creeks; 

• to have and enforce strict controls on new developments, halting any 

further encroachment of buildings on creeks, and begin to restore public 

access to the creek; 

• to improve the level of resources available to enforce existing 

environmental legislation eg controlling sediment runoff from 

construction sites, prosecuting polluters; 

• to improve communications between environmental groups to ensure 

effective use of resources and also to better communicate information to 

the general public; and 

• to generally work towards improving the environmental condition of the 

catchment. 

Finally, there is a feeling among those who participated in the meetings that 

there is a need to communicate the results of these studies back to the public 

to increase awareness. This may be done in the form of further consultations 

or presentations, mail outs or public displays. 

Page 22 of 33



6 Recommendations for Stage 2 

This water quality survey was initiated to identify potential sources of poor 

water quality in three catchments in the Gosford area. The community 

consultation and field investigation process has shown that in these 

catchments, perception of the quality of the creek environment is not limited 

to bacteria and nutrient contents in the water. There are many issues that 

affect the quality of the catchment including the presence of domestic litter, 

dumped rubbish throughout the catchment, restricted creek access, excess 

weed growth in and around the drainage channels, sediment erosion and 

chemical quality of the water. 

During Stage 2 of the survey, water samples will be collected to identify 

major tributaries and catchments that have water quality issues relating to the 

parameters measured (nutrients, bacteria and physical parameters). In 

designing the sampling program for Stage 2 of the survey, consideration 

must be made of whether the data can aid in dealing with the issues 

identified during Stage 1. For example, monitoring nutrients or bacteria in 

the catchment to the west of the estuarine section of Narara Creek may not 

identify any problems associated with chemical discharges from industries 

along Manns Rd, nor will it provide further information on the rubbish or 

weed issues in the area. However, in the residential areas of the Erina and 

Kincumber creek catchments, assessment of nutrient and bacteria levels may 

provide an indication of areas with sewerage system exfiltration or active 

overflows. 

The following recommendations for Stage 2 sampling locations are therefore 

limited to areas where the data collected may be used effectively in any 

future approaches to improving water quality. Recommended Stage 2 

sampling locations and justifications for their choices are presented in Table 

6.1, Table 6.2 and Table 6.3 and Map 6.1, Map 6.2 and Map 6.3. 

For the remaining areas of the catchment, and for issues not necessarily 

related to water quality, it is recommended that a strategy incorporating a 

total catchment management approach be initiated. This would address 

issues on a broader basis than only those issues relating to water quality. 

The first step in such an initiative would be a comprehensive audit to 

produce an inventory of environmental issues or problems in the catchments. 

This would be followed by an integrated series of responses to the issues 

identified in the audit and in the current survey. In order for responses to 

make a difference to environmental qualities, a well communicated and 

holistic approach will be required with sufficient enthusiasm and funding 

needed to see the initiative through. 

Page 23 of 33



Table 6.1: Stage 2 Kincumber Creek sampling locations and justifications 

Kincumber Creek Catchment 

Sampling Location 

Corner of Wallen and Water St 

(KC1) 

Corner of Wallen and Water St 

(KC2) 

Tributary crossing Empire Bay Dr 

south of Bridge St (near bus depot) 

(KC3) 

Tributary entering Kincumber Creek 

at end of Davies St (KC4) 

Justification 

Asses water quality in upper Kincumber Creek 

catchment – drains residential areas and Kincumber 

tip 

Assess water quality in tributary draining residential 

areas in eastern catchment 

Assess water quality in tributary draining low-lying 

areas in southern catchment. 

Assess water quality in established and newly 

developed residential areas (sampling upstream of 

tidal influence) 

D Derby St 

KINCUMBER 

Avoca Dr 

Avoca Dr 

O Oberton St 

Kincumber 

Broadwater 

KC4 

K Kincumber C Creek 

Cullens Rd 

KC2 

KC1 

0 0.25 

Kilometres 

0.5 

Empire Bay Dr 

KC3 

Swamp St 

Melville M St 

Boundary Rd 

∗ 

Abundance St 

The Scenic Rd 

BENSVILLE 

• KC1 

Sampling locations 

Map 6.1: Stage 2 Kincumber Creek water sampling locations 

Page 24 of 33



Table 6.2: Stage 2 Erina Creek sampling locations and justifications 

Erina Creek Catchment Sampling 

Location 

Tributary crossing Chetwynd Rd 

(EC1) 

Tributary crossing Carlton Rd at 

entrance to Gooriwa Rd (EC2) 

Tributary crossing Wattle Tree Rd at 

“Girraween” (EC3) 

Tributary crossing Milina Rd east of 

Wattle Tree St (EC4) 

Tributary crossing Oak Rd 100 m 

north of Coachwood Rd (EC5) 

Tributary crossing Oak Rd at Max’s 

Lane (EC6) 

Nunns Creek at The Entrance Rd 

(EC7) 

Justification 

Assess water quality in Worthing Creek catchment – 

garden industries, unsealed road areas, undeveloped 

areas 

Assess water quality in small tributary leading into 

western catchment – semi rural area with ponding 

upstream and bushland at the top of the catchment 

Assess water quality in rural and bushland areas in 

Fires Creek catchment 

Assess water quality at base of rural areas 

Assess water quality of rural areas in upper Erina 

Creek catchment 

Assess water quality in rural and bushland areas 

along Oak Rd 

Assess water quality in residential and commercial 

areas of Nunns Creek catchment 

The Ridgeway 

HOLGATE 

EC3 

Wattle Wattle Tree Tree Rd 

∗ 

Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys ToomeysRd 

Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd 

Bandalong Rd 

Fire Creek 

EC6 

Oak Rd 

Matcham Rd 

Erina Erina Erina Erina Creek 

Creek Creek 

Creek 

EC5 

Coachwood Rd 

MATCHAM 


Gooriwa Rd 

EC2 

EC4 

Erina Erina Erina Erina Erina Erina Erina Erina ErinaCreek 

Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek 

The Entrance Rd 

Milina Rd 

WAMBERAL 

Lakala Ave 

EC1 

ERINA 

EC7 

Terrigal Dr 

TERRIGAL 

0 0.5 1 

Nunns Creek 

Kilometres 

• EC1 


Map 6.2: Stage 2 Erina Creek water sampling locations 

Page 25 of 33

Rd d 



Table 6.3: Stage 2 Narara Creek sampling locations and justifications 

Narara Creek Catchment 

Sampling Location 

Tributary crossing Carrington St, 

100 m west of Hanlon St (NC1) 

Tributary crossing Hanlon Rd, 

approximately 50 m north of 

Fountains Rd (NC2) 

Tributary adjacent to Konaderie Pde 

opposite Yarunga Ave (NC3) 

Tributary at end of Glencoe Ave 

(NC4) 

Tributary opposite Wyoming 

shopping centre (Kinarra Ave) 

(NC5) 

Tributary at corner of Mann St and 

Laycock St (NC6) 

Justification 

Assess water quality in Fountain Creek catchment – 

residential and bushland area 

Assess water quality in upper Narara 

catchment - residential and bushland area 

Creek 

Assess water quality in upper catchment – residential 

and bushland area. Limited flows upstream of this 

point in dry weather 

Assess water quality in Wyoming Creek catchment – 


Assess water quality in Wingello Creek catchment – 


Assess water quality in Bradys Gully catchment – 


Man Mangrove Mangrove Rd Rd Rd Rd 

NIAGARA 

PARK 

angrove Rd 

ngrove Rd 

ve Rd 

Pacific Hwy 

Deanne Rd 

NC2 

NC3 

NARARA 

Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming WyomingCreek 

Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek 

Cham berlain Rd 

0 0.5 1 

Kilometres 

∗ 

Narara Creek 

Carrington St 

Manns Rd 

NC1 

NC4 

NC5 

NC6 

Jarrett St 

Day St 

WYOMING 

Maidens Brush Rd 

Coulter Rd 


W Wingello Creek 

Toomeys Toomeys Toom Toomeys Toomeys Toomeys Rd Rd 

GOSFORD 

Debenham Debenham Debenham Debenham Debenham Debenham Debenham Debenham Debenham Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd Rd 

Pacific Hwy 

• NC1 


Map 6.3: Stage 2 Narara Creek water sampling locations 

Page 26 of 33



7 Conclusions 

The community consultation process and field investigations have shown 

that there are numerous issues affecting the quality of the three catchments 

investigated, and numerous values held by the residents for their local 

catchment. A general feeling was found to be held by the community that 

the catchments are degraded although the nature of the degradation varies 

from area to area. 

Weed growth and rubbish dumping were major issues in many parts of the 

three catchments. Excessive weed growth has also resulted in poor access to 

the creek in areas that have not been developed. Urban development and 

encroachment were found to concern many people with development 

resulting in reduced creek access, domestic litter in drainage channels, 

degraded water quality, bank erosion and sediment deposition. Alterations 

to natural drainage were also a concern in terms of increased stormwater 

runoff from highly developed areas, restrictions in creek flows through weed 

infestation and sediment deposition, and increased potential for flooding in 

some areas. 

The effect of development and the general degradation of the catchment 

were also of concern in terms of the effects on ecological health both within 

the creek system and in downstream water bodies. 

The general feeling is held that many of the creek systems’ values have been 

lost with increased development. There has been a general drop in 

opportunities to enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, walking and 

boating with the increased level of development in recent years. 

A desire to see improvements in the quality of the creeks and their 

catchments was seen throughout the community consultation process. The 

approaches put forward to achieve these improvements were generally 

consistent through the three catchments. In general terms, the desired 

approach includes revegetation of riparian vegetation zones, improved 

controls on developments, increased community education and awareness, 

litter and debris removal and improved source controls. From local 

advertising and the State of the Environment Report (Gosford City Council 

1998), it is understood that policies are in place for such issues as sediment 

removal from development sites, and programs for riparian revegetation are 

also in place. However, little evidence exists throughout the catchment to 

show that these programs and policies are being carried out. 

The design for the Stage 2 sampling program addresses some of the issues 

raised in Stage 1, principally issues relating to water quality in urban and 

rural catchments. The program will identify those catchments that have 

elevated levels of a range of pollutants, however, a number of issues remain 

which need to be addressed in the development of any catchment 

management and improvement program 

Page 27 of 33



8 References 

Laxton, J.H. (1999) Water Quality of Gosford Lagoons and Brisbane Water 

(1996-1998). J.H. & E.S. Laxton – Environmental Consultants P/L 

Gosford City Council (1998) State of the Environment Report 1998. 

Page 28 of 33



Appendix A 

Field Investigation Observations 

Page 29 of 33



Table A1: Kincumber Creek Field Observations 

Location 

Kincumber Creek at Empire 

Bay Dr 

Entrance to Kincumber Creek 

• Creek very turbid 

Observation 

• Clear of vegetation in channel but very muddy 

downstream of road 

• Riparian zone and adjacent reserve overgrown with 

weeds (blackberry / lantana etc) 

• Signs in place for revegetation project however no signs 

of progress 

• Similar weed problems along creek bank upstream of 

road 

• Shallow muddy bay fringed by mangrove system 

• Lots of domestic litter along high tide line and in 

adjacent bushland area 

• Low lying area with limited drainage capability 

• Small tributary to north and adjacent bush area 

overgrown with lantana and other weeds. Trash rack and 

boom net in need of maintenance. 

Davies Rd • Small quarry at end of street largely vegetated – 

minimal potential for erosion problem 

Hawk St 

Catchment south of Kincumber 

Creek 

Cullens Rd 

Eastern Catchment 

• Residential area adjacent to bushland lined with weeds 

• Industrial area with potential for contaminated runoff 

issue of effective on-site controls not in place 

• Low flow area, generally low lying – low gradient area. 

• Drainage line to south below ground level almost to 

Empire Bay Dr 

• Weeds in upper catchment bushland 

• STP unlikely to have direct impact on Kincumber Creek 

water quality 

• Rubbish tip in upper catchment, potential leachate 

quality and sediment issues 

• Creek downstream of tip choked with weeds (lantana 

etc) 

• Turbid / grey water observed in creek 

• Almost entire eastern catchment now developed 

• Few areas of unconsolidated surfaces, mostly vegetated 

or paved 

• Small bushland area at top of eastern catchment has 

weed problem 

• New development along Elmitta St – potential sediment 

erosion problem 

Page 30 of 33



Table A2: Erina Creek Field Observations 

Location 

Wells St and western side of 

Erina Creek 

Well St at Sherwood Dr 

Clarence Rd 

Chetwynd Rd 

Observation 

• Mostly residential with some reserves 

• Small tributaries branch west through residential areas 

into bushland. Generally less developed than eastern 

catchment 

• Creek turbid, possibly an overgrown detention pond full 

of reeds, macrophytes, grasses. 

• No flow, stagnant 

• Domestic litter along street drainage channels 

• Little or no flow in small creek 

• Wetland downstream of recently developed area 

appears generally healthy 

• Some areas not vegetated, possible soil erosion problem 

in wet weather 

• Road works with unsealed surfaces a potential soil 

erosion problem 

• Garden supplies shop at top of catchment, potential 

nutrient issue 

Portsmouth and Serpentine Rds • Semi rural properties with ponded areas in top of gully 

Carlton Rd near Gooriwa Rd 

Fires Creek at Wattle Tree Rd 

Carlton St at Wattle Tree St 

Oak Rd 

Coachwood Rd 

Elaine Rd 

The Entrance Rd and Karalta 

Rd 

• Vegetation (reeds / rushes) in channel 

• Garden supplies shops in catchment 

• Large open grassed areas with few houses 

• Detention ponds upstream slow water flow 

• Rural areas upstream 

• Rural / bushland catchment 

• Several ponded areas along creek 

• Relatively few weeds along riparian zone and little 

evidence of litter 

• Rural / bushland catchment. 

• Lantana growing in riparian zone 

• Riparian vegetation with some weed infestation 

• Low flows in dry weather conditions 

• Zone on either side of creek cleared for properties 

bordered by bushland to the top of the catchment 

• Some unconsolidated areas – unsealed roads etc may 

have sediment erosion problems 

• Dam and irrigation channel observed alongside small 

orchard 

• Stream choked with sediment and weeds 

• Weed growth in creek appears continuous to top of 

catchment 

• Several ponds for properties along creek 

• Commercial area drains direct to estuarine section of 

Erina Creek 

• Domestic litter observed in many channels 

Nunns Creek at The Entrance • Domestic litter in creek 

Page 31 of 33



Rd 

Henzel Rd 

Location 

Observation 

• Some bank erosion observed 

• Recently developed residential area. Most areas appear 

vegetated or paved – few unconsolidated surfaces 

Table A3: Narara Creek Field Observations 

Location 

Debenham Rd / Kowara Rd 

Dyer Cr / Grieve Cl 

Manns Rd 

Nells Rd 

Dell Rd / Manns Rd 

Upper Reeves Rd 

Research Rd 

Carrington Rd 

Deanne Rd 

Brancourt Cl 

Willow Tree Cl 

Top of Mangrove Rd 

Louis Cl 

Konaderie Pde at Yarunga Ave 

Observation 

• Sediments eroded from unsealed roads 

• Domestic rubbish in all drainage channels 

• Rubbish dump near top of Debenham Rd 

• Clear water and low flows upstream of Debenham Rd 

• Potential erosion / sediment removal from quarry 

• Numerous industries (motor repair, garden supplies, 

scrap metal etc) with potential for toxic discharges during 

wet weather if on-site controls not in place 

• Continuation of industrial areas, bushland upstream of 

industries 

• Many unconsolidated surfaces in area 

• Disused quarry, largely revegetated now 

• Industrial area with bushland in upper catchment. 

• Sediment and vegetation problem in drainage channel 

near Manns Rd. Flow restricted. 

• Domestic rubbish 

• Unconsolidated road with lots of sediment deposited in 

adjacent and downstream drainage channels 

• Stream choked with bracken and lantana 

• Horticulture Research Centre – possible fertiliser issues 

• Increased proportion of residential housing from other 

areas off Manns Rd 

• Bank erosion 

• Residential catchment 

• Flood prone area 

• Bushland upstream 

• Small wetland with stagnant oily water 

• Mosquito problem 

• No creek access in vacant blocks due to weed growth 

• Slow, restricted flow in creek, orange slick, choked 

with weed/mud 

• Herbicides used on lantana 

• Old quarry / landing strip largely revegetated 

• Dumping ground for cars, rubbish in drainage channels 

• No flow in dry weather – choked with weed and 

sediment 

• Slow flow through vegetation 

Page 32 of 33



Location 

North eastern catchment 

Chamberlain Rd 

Glencoe Ave 

Rainforest St 

Creek opposite 

Shopping Centre 

Wyoming 

Maidens Brush Rd / Dalton St 

Creek at Laycock and Mann St 

Observation 

• Industries along railway line including scrap metal 

industry. Potential runoff problem if runoff not 

contained / controlled 

• Narrow strip of residential and industrial properties 

bounded by fringing bushland to the top of the catchment 

• Creek flow restricted by vines / weeds. 

• Wetland at end of road in poor condition – discoloured 

and thick with algae 

• Weeds found in creek 

• Horse training paddock 

• Machinery dumped on roadside 

• Large areas of unconsolidated surfaces 

• Wide open channel, good flow with rock flow 

retardants 

• Residential catchment upstream 

• Low flow, overgrown with vegetation / vines 

• Large stormwater drains enter main channel 

• Dense vegetation in channel 

• Litter from shopping centre 

• Open reserve areas, limited access due to weeds. 

• Mainly houses with streets kerb and guttered 

• Herbicides used on lantana higher in catchment 

• Rubbish dumping higher in catchment 

• Residential catchment with bushland at top of 

catchment 

• Open channel with dense vegetation and flow retardants 

Page 33 of 33

Gosford Water Survey 1 - Gosford City Council

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