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15 November Project Update – Draining the Parramatta River
In early November, City of Parramatta’s Catchment Team began a complex and expensive project which would include draining a large section of the Parramatta River to undertake cleaning and maintenance and help increase the health of our river. Electro-fishing to target carp (an invasive and destructive fish species) was also part of the program. While work will continue for a few more days, so far, we have drained approximately 3 million litres of water and removed 370 tonnes of debris including silt and all kinds of things that really shouldn't be in our water ways.
Our tally so far: 45 shopping trolleys, 15 tyres, seven scooters, four bikes, and three dining chairs. It’s such an interesting project, even Channel 9 News came to Parramatta to take a look. Watch the Channel 9 video:
Draining of Parramatta River for investigations and repair 1 to 15 November 2024
City of Parramatta Council has engaged specialist contractors to carry out work to the Parramatta River from Friday 1 to Friday 15 November 2024.
To complete this work, sections of the Parramatta River will be drained exposing the riverbed and concrete channels, and access to the Parramatta River foreshore will be restricted.
Work will take place 9am on Friday 1 November and continue from 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday until 15 November 2024.
Once work is completed, the section of the Parramatta River between Marsden Street Weir and Charles Street Weir will take around four days to refill, unless there is heavy rain.
Please see the map below for information on the closure of the river from Marsden Street Weir (near Lennox Bridge) to the Charles Street Weir (near Parramatta Quay).
Why are these works taking place?
Work within the Parramatta River is being scheduled to clean the riverbed and foreshore areas and undertake essential checks to the Marsden Street and Charles Street weirs.
Removing debris including litter and silt is critical to the continued health of our river ecosystem. The planned maintenance program will also allow for the ongoing functioning of the Marsden Street and Charles Street weirs which are vital to our flood management system and helping to minimise flood risk.
Carp control
While work is taking place within the Parramatta River, contractors will take the opportunity to carry out a carp reduction program, hoping to eliminate many of this invasive fish species to bring balance to our waterways and reverse some of the damage this pest does in our environment.
Carp were introduced to Australian waterways in the 1960s. They have a harmful effect on native fish species, biodiversity and aquatic vegetation. They reduce water quality, damage riverbanks, muddy waters and contribute to algae blooms. Carp are adaptable and populations can increase quickly overwhelming a river system.
In line with NSW Department of Primary Industries guidelines, carp will be captured and dispatched in a humane manner.
Any native fish found will be returned to either the tidal estuary or the upstream weir pool depending on the species. We expect to find a combination of both freshwater and saltwater tolerant fish species in this brackish water (where salt water and fresh water mix together).
What will works involve?
Work will take place from 9am on Friday 1 November and continue 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday until 15 November 2024 (subject to weather and site conditions).
Once work is completed, this section of the Parramatta River will take around four days to refill, unless there is heavy rain.
During this work period, to ensure the safety of the community, the foreshore will be closed to the public with diversions in place.
Detailed condition assessment of the weirs, embankments, riverbed and fish ladders will take place.
Aspects of the work will require the use of heavy machinery.
We apologise for any disruption this may cause and where possible will take measures to reduce noise and other inconveniences.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about these works, please contact the Catchment Team via City of Parramatta’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 617 058 or email FloodSmart@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
For urgent enquiries about the works, or outside of business hours, please contact Aaron Beale from Urban Assets Solutions on 0418 454 987 or 1300 706 624.
We kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding as we undertake these necessary works. Our goal is to maintain a clean and safe environment for all to enjoy.
