Improving fish passage in Tucki Tucki Creek

Report date:  30 June 2011

1 ) Removal and replace the present barrier to fish passage, a pipe culvert pedestrian walkway over Tucki Tucki Creek through Holmes Park, with a fish friendly structure, ie a series of square culverts with the invert set into the bed of the creek.
2.) Restore instream bedform and riparian vegetation in the upstream reach.

Outcomes: Instream bedform was restored through the removal of roadbase and fill which entered Tucki Tucki Creek during the collapse of the Oliver Avenue bridge, plus sediment from prior long-term build-up. Approx 20 truck loads (of approx 10m3 each) was excavated from the creek bed and removed offsite in October 2010.

In February 2011 the pedestrian causeway, which presented a barrier to fish passage, was replaced by the installation of a series of box culverts set into the creek bed. One of the original round pipes at the far eastern end of the crossing was maintained to reduce overall earthworks and disturbance.  

The level of riparian vegetation cleared for excavator movement was less than originally anticipated, with a large amount of riparian vegetation maintained. Where gaps did need to be cut, these have since been replanted.  These works have been combined with additional revegetation works closer to the new Oliver Ave bridge site and road embankment.

Further riparian revegetation works are ongoing downstream from the project site. These are additional to the grant funded revegetation works.

BEFORE (A): View upstream from old crossing showing extreme deposition of material from bridge collapse and long-term sediment build-up.

AFTER (A) : Photo from same position as above showing restoration of instream bedform

BEFORE (B): Showing blocked upstream approach to the pedestrian causeway and blocked pipes.

AFTER (B): Showing new crossing, sediment removal and clear passage of water through box culverts.