Illegal trench dug to connect sensitive Tallow Creek to ocean outrages Byron Shire authorities

People mucking about with the mouths of Byron Shire creeks – potentially leading to fish kills – could be hit with eye-watering fines of up to $110,000. Nevertheless, someone has had a crack.

Tallow Creek opening into the ocean at Suffolk Park – naturally. Picture: Byron Shire Council

Byron Shire Council has warned people mucking about with the mouths of Tallow and Belongil creeks, potentially leading to fish kills, could be slapped with eye-watering fines of up to $110,000.

It comes after an illegal attempt at digging a trench to connect Tallow Creek with the ocean.

The council states the creeks – deemed intermittently closed and open lake or lagoons (ICOLLs) – are sensitive to change.

Rather than causing long-lasting impacts on the marine environment, the council urged community members to “allow Mother Nature to do her job”.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) were alarmed to find the discovery at Suffolk Park because the creek is “a highly sensitive marine environment and cultural site”.

The creek opens to ocean from time to time, depending on rainfall and the build up of sand at the mouth.

Tallow Creek open to the ocean with no human interference. Picture: Byron Shire Council

The council warns “there are strict rules and regulations about the management of the entrance to Tallow Creek, with input required from Council, NPWS, the NSW Marine Parks Authority and the Arakwal Corporation (Indigenous body)”.

The council’s coast and biodiversity co-ordinator Chloe Dowsett raised the substantial fines offenders can face for fiddling with the cultural and environmental gems.

“A sudden release of water out of an ICOLL into the ocean can cause fish kills and long-lasting impacts on the marine environment,” she said.

Tallow Creek opening into the ocean at Suffolk Park. Picture: Byron Shire Council

“Council’s preference, and that of the NPWS and other agencies, is to allow Mother Nature to do her job in relation to Tallow Creek. And in the rare instances that we do take action, we consider many factors – including predicted rainfall – to minimise the chance of a fish kill.”

The council is currently reviewing its Entrance Opening Strategies regarding Tallow and Belongil creeks.

Originally published as Illegal trench dug to connect sensitive Tallow Creek to ocean outrages Byron Shire authorities