Cammeray Park: Western Harbour Tunnel faces backlash from locals over dead ducks

Residents say they have been left ‘heartbroken’ after ducks were found dead following the removal of a popular dam for a major Sydney infrastructure project, forcing them to cross busy roads.

Residents on the north shore are calling for an immediate halt to Sydney’s newest motorway project after ducks were displaced — and potentially died — during construction works on the major infrastructure project.

The multi-billion dollar Western Harbour Tunnel project is facing fresh backlash from residents and North Sydney Council following the removal of a duck dam at Cammeray Park.

Major works on the tunnel began at the park earlier this year and involved the drainage of the dam along with the felling of hundreds of trees.

Cammeray resident Naomi Brown said the loss of habitat has resulted in ducks running the gauntlet across major nearby roads as they seek out greener pastures.

“One of the mother ducks was spotted where the pond used to be and we later found her 1km away near Anzac Park, meaning she had to make it through the park with her eight ducklings, through the construction site, and across the Warringah Freeway overpass,” Ms Brown said.

A photo of a mother duck and her ducklings displaced from Cammeray Park.

“Sadly when we found out she only had five ducklings left, and when we found her again on Tuesday three more had died. She fought so valiantly.

“The pond was the only freshwater source we had in Cammeray and it was the one place where all the ducks would hang out.

“It’s now just a hole in the ground full of dirt and trucks.”

A photo of ducks surrounding the former dam.

John Berry, a member of the local Bay Precinct community group, said the dam was a longstanding habitat for ducks and ducklings before it was demolished earlier this year.

Residents have reported the incident to animal rescue group WIRES which is investigating the impacts of construction works at the park.

The concerns by residents have also been echoed by North Sydney Council which has released a social media video that features photos of displaced ducks and states: “When will the destruction end?”

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the department was “working with an ecologist to ensure the safety of ducks in Anzac Park at Cammeray”.

A photo of ducklings found by residents near Cammeray Park.

A photo of ducklings near Cammeray Park.

“The current approach is to allow the animals to leave the area on their own, which is consistent with the project’s biodiversity development assessment report and the contractors’ flora and fauna management plan approved by the Department of Planning,” she said.

Ms Brown said other animals including native birds and possums have also been displaced due to loss of trees at the park.

“We’ve seen dead possums on the road and birds sitting on tree stumps where they used to nest,” she said.

A photo of the dam, prior to construction works.

“It’s distressing for our kids and it’s hard to explain why there are dead animals on the road and not having a good explanation as for why.

“It almost feels like the ducks represent us – we’re all trying to do the best for our kids. It’s heartbreaking”

The Western Harbour Tunnel was approved in 2021 and once completed will have twin tunnels connecting the north shore to the WestConnex motorway at Rozelle Interchange.

It is also planned to connect with the proposed Beaches Link motorway to the northern beaches, which has yet to be determined by the Department of Planning.