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Second Act of Mangrove Vandalism Strikes Throsby Creek

today17 October 2024

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A significant environmental crime has occurred along Throsby Creek, with a 40-metre section of vital mangroves felled near the William Street bridge on the Tighes Hill side. The destruction has sparked outrage from the community, who have been working to restore the creek to its natural state.

Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe was one of the first to report the incident. Posting online, she expressed her dismay at the senseless act of environmental vandalism, noting the importance of mangroves to the creek’s fragile ecosystem. “These trees provide essential habitat for birds and marine life, which have slowly begun to return to Throsby Creek after years of rehabilitation,” McCabe stated.

Throsby Creek: A History of Pollution and Rehabilitation

Throsby Creek is a tidal estuary in Newcastle, historically impacted by heavy industrial pollution. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, the surrounding industries, including abattoirs, tanneries, and coal transport operations, used the creek as a dumping ground for waste. By the late 20th century, the waterway had become an open sewer, with untreated industrial discharge flowing directly into the creek. The pollution was so severe that standing near its banks often resulted in people gagging due to the odour.

In response to community concerns, extensive rehabilitation works began in the late 1990s, spearheaded by local and state government agencies, including Hunter Water and community groups. The primary goal was to return Throsby Creek to a more natural state, reversing the damage caused by decades of pollution. This included removing concrete channels that had replaced sections of the original waterway and reintroducing natural tidal flows. These efforts have greatly improved water quality and allowed for the reestablishment of ecosystems, including mangrove forests.

The Role of Mangroves in Ecosystem Health

Mangroves play a critical role in the health of tidal ecosystems like Throsby Creek. These salt-tolerant trees thrive in coastal and estuarine environments, creating a buffer against erosion by stabilising shorelines. Their dense root systems provide important breeding and nursery habitats for a range of marine life, including fish and crabs, while also serving as shelter for birds. Mangroves are also highly effective in trapping sediment and pollutants, acting as a natural filtration system that improves water quality in tidal areas.

In Australia, mangroves are a protected species due to their ecological importance. Destroying or damaging mangroves is illegal, with fines of up to $110,000 for offenders. In areas like Throsby Creek, which have undergone significant rehabilitation, the preservation of mangroves is essential to maintaining the creek’s recovery and supporting biodiversity.

Recurring Vandalism Raises Concerns

This is not the first instance of mangrove destruction along Throsby Creek. Just months earlier, another section of mangroves upstream was similarly cut down, raising concerns about ongoing threats to the area’s rehabilitation efforts. Hunter Water, which manages the creek, had installed warning signs following the earlier incident, but these measures have failed to deter further acts of vandalism.

McCabe urged anyone with information to report it to Hunter Water, saying, “Hunter Water has installed warning signs, but clearly, this has not been enough to deter those responsible for this destruction.”

Community Outrage and Calls for Action

The local community, which has worked tirelessly over the years to improve Throsby Creek, has expressed its frustration at the destruction. The creek has become a symbol of environmental regeneration in Newcastle, and the recurring vandalism threatens to undo much of the hard-earned progress. Local residents have reported the incident to Hunter Water, which is now investigating.

Mangroves are slow-growing species, and the loss of such a significant section could take years to recover. In the meantime, the community continues to call for increased protection and enforcement measures to ensure that Throsby Creek remains a thriving, restored natural habitat.

If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact Hunter Water.

This second act of vandalism has shaken the local community, raising concerns about the ongoing safety of the area’s wildlife and the future of the creek’s restoration efforts.

Join the discussion on Facebook

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Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe
Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe

 

Join the discussion on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/newy878/posts/pfbid0PL8VnTSbwx8q35eoAQWwF4RmXmQTTF4iJBuvmR2eEoo3H7iihShLccmT9mwX8HD7l

 

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.