Community feedback invited on naturalisation plans for Wallsend CBD stormwater widening project

Wallsend residents and business owners within the wider community are being invited to help shape the future of Ironbark Creek during Hunter Water’s community consultation on proposed naturalisation works as part of its stormwater widening project for the Wallsend CBD.  

The project will widen sections of the Ironbark Creek stormwater channel between Cowper Street and Federal Park to improve the creek's ability to carry stormwater during heavy rainfall events and help reduce flooding in the Wallsend CBD.   

As part of the design process, community members are now being asked to provide feedback on opportunities to incorporate more natural features into sections of the creek alignment. Proposed naturalisation elements are intended to improve the health and appearance of the waterway while supporting local biodiversity and water quality outcomes.  

Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy & Engagement, David Derkenne, said community feedback until Sunday 11 October would help inform how the naturalisation aspects of the project are delivered.  

"While widening of the stormwater channel is the critical flood mitigation component, which has been carefully developed through years of planning, what we're seeking community input on is how we can integrate more natural features into Ironbark Creek and create a waterway that delivers environmental and community benefits as well,” said Mr Derkenne. 

"This is an opportunity for locals, businesses and community groups to have a say on what a more natural creek could look like and how it can best support the character of the area." 

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP, said the input from locals on the naturalisation plans would be vital. 

“I’ve been fighting for this project for 19 years. It is heartening to see strong recent support from the Federal Government with $10 million secured by my colleague Sharon Claydon MP, Federal Member for Newcastle as well as support from NSW Water Minister, Rose Jackson,” said Ms Hornery. 

“Hunter Water is seeking the views of Wallsend locals as they undertake a community consultation process over the next few weeks. I’d strongly encourage community members to engage with the survey and pop-up stalls.” 

Mr Derkenne said incorporating more natural features would help improve the long-term health of the waterway.  

"Naturalising urban waterways can improve water quality, provide habitat for native plants and animals and create a more attractive waterway for the community to enjoy."  

"Local knowledge is incredibly valuable, and we encourage people to share their feedback during the consultation period."  

Mr Derkenne said the consultation period was an important opportunity for the community to help shape the environmental outcomes of the project.  

"We want to hear from people who live, work and spend time in Wallsend about how we can best include natural features into Ironbark Creek while delivering the flood protection outcomes for the community." 

Incorporating naturalisation works in the widening project is funded by the Australian Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program.  

The project is in the design phase, with site investigations later in the year before construction is expected to start from mid-2027, subject to approvals and weather conditions. 

Hunter Water has a five-minute survey open to provide feedback on the project webpage: www.hunterwater.com.au/wallsend-sw or scan the QR code below.  

Members of the project team are hosting a series of pop-up information stalls where community members can ask questions and share their feedback on the proposed naturalisation elements:  

• Wallsend Active Hub  
  10am to 12 noon, Saturday 19 September 2026  
  Boscawen Street, opposite Plattsburg Public School  
• Wallsend Rotunda  
  11am to 1pm, Tuesday 22 September 2026  
  Corner of Tyrrell and Nelson Streets  
• Wallsend Village Shopping Centre  
  9am to 4pm, Saturday 26 September 2026  
  24 Kokera Street

Have Your Say on introducing natural elements to sections of the creek. Survey closes 5pm Sunday 11 October 2026.