Caring for Throsby Creek: Monitoring program provides new insights

NSW Government agencies and community representatives are working together to improve the health of Throsby Creek, with a comprehensive water quality monitoring program now at its halfway point.

The initiative, supported by a $100,000 NSW Government grant under the Local Small Commitments Allocation, delivers on an election commitment from the Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP.

Microbial water quality testing is being undertaken along Throsby Creek near the Newcastle Rowing Club to help the community make informed decisions about using the waterway. The monitoring program will continue until June 2026, collecting 100 unique data points to better understand the creek’s health and to inform water users including rowers, paddle-boarders and dragon boaters.

Key findings so far include:

• Variable water quality: Results are highly variable. Based on national guidelines for recreational water, water quality results indicate that interacting with Throsby Creek carries a higher risk of contracting gastroenteritis or acute febrile respiratory illness, particularly after rainfall. Further assessment is underway to better characterise this risk.

• Catchment impacts: The results are consistent with the urbanised nature of the Throsby Creek catchment, where stormwater runoff from roads, rooftops, backyards, industrial sites, and wet-weather wastewater overflows enter the creek via Newcastle’s stormwater network.

• Public health advice: Consistent with long-standing advice, the community is encouraged to exercise caution whenever swimming or recreating in urban waterways, including secondary contact activities such as rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding and dragon boating.

Alongside the monitoring, the grant funding improves catchment health and amenity through delivery of a new litter trap in Styx Creek near Tighes Hill TAFE, designed to capture up to five cubic metres of floating litter and debris.

Naturalisation works through Litchfield Park in Mayfield have transformed a concrete stormwater channel into a more natural waterway with improved habitat, water quality and community amenity.

Hunter Water’s Group Manager Waterways, David Derkenne, said the monitoring program is an important step in better understanding the condition of the creek to inform future actions.

“Throsby Creek is a much-loved part of our city, and we know the community wants to see it thrive. This monitoring program is building a clearer picture of the creek’s condition and the actions needed to support safe and sustainable use into the future.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, said the funding is delivering on the NSW Government’s commitment to the community.

“Throsby Creek is an amazing natural asset. This funding is about better understanding and protecting the waterway, so it can be enjoyed safely for generations to come.”

Pending completion of the full monitoring program in mid-2026, results will continue to be shared with the community. Agencies are also considering new signage to help inform waterway users about water quality risks.

Through the Throsby Creek Government Agencies Committee, NSW Government agencies remain committed to the long-term vision of improving water quality in Throsby Creek and recognising it as a vital waterway for the city and region. Work is also underway on the next Throsby Creek Government Agencies Committee Action Plan, which will guide improvements from 2026 to 2031.