Have Your Say - O’Regan Reserve Creek Rehabilitation Design

Project Overview

The waterway within O’Regan Reserve is currently in poor condition due to stream bank erosion, ageing stormwater infrastructure, and invasive weeds. These issues are impacting the health of Stevenson Creek and the surrounding reserve. Council has engaged Australian Wetlands Consulting (AWC) to prepare a rehabilitation design that will improve creek health, support fauna habitat, increase biodiversity, and enhance community use of the reserve.

Why Are Rehabilitation Works Needed?

Stormwater runoff from surrounding urban areas has contributed to erosion, infrastructure damage and poor water quality within Stevenson Creek. The proposed works aim to stabilise creek banks, repair and protect critical infrastructure, and restore vegetation while ensuring flood risk to nearby properties is not increased.

Proposed Rehabilitation Works

The proposed works include:
• In-stream pool and riffle structures to slow water and improve habitat
• Creek bank stabilisation using rock and sandstone walls where required
• Relocation and protection of stormwater outlets to reduce scour
• Sewer-line repair, replacement, and concrete encasement where necessary
• Culvert upgrades and formalised gravel creek crossings
• Revegetation with native riparian and terrestrial plant species

Design Considerations

Careful hydraulic and technical modelling has informed the design to ensure flood risk is not increased. Existing mature native trees will be retained and protected, and plant selection will consider fire management requirements and the existing Endangered Ecological Community within the reserve.

Community Benefits

The rehabilitation works are expected to deliver the following benefits:
• Improved water quality in Stevenson Creek
• Reduced erosion and increased geomorphic stability
• Enhanced native vegetation and habitat connectivity
• Protection of Council and Sydney Water infrastructure
• Improved amenity and usability of O’Regan Reserve for the community

Project Timing

The rehabilitation design is scheduled to be completed before 30 June 2026. Subject to approvals and funding, construction is planned for the 2026–2027 financial year.

Have Your Say

Council welcomes community feedback on the proposed O’Regan Reserve Creek Rehabilitation Design via the survey below. Community input will be considered in finalising the design.

Alternatively, feedback can be provided by:
Email: council@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Post: Stormwater and Waterways Team, The Hills Shire Council, PO Box 7064, Norwest NSW 2153
Reference: O’Regan Reserve Creek Rehabilitation Design