Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah, bush regeneration project 2026
Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah & Roberts Park
Riparian zone bush regeneration and walking track project
24 May 2026
Objectives
To create a public recreation area in association with the restoration of the riparian zone on the western side of Currawong Creek within Roberts Park, Murrumburrah, between the Neil Street causeway and the railway bridge to the north. To create therein a walking track to serve as an adjunct to the community and tourism facilities in place at the adjacent George Coddington Park. The bush regeneration and enhancement of community plantings carried out during 1988 as part of the local Bicentennial Celebrations will create a creek, wetland and riparian zone environment which integrates with the recreational aspects of the two aforementioned parks, whilst also enhancing the environmental aspects and values of the Currawong Creek and associated riparian zone.
Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah, Martin Lang, 17 December 2023.
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Background
As part of local Harden-Murrumburrah area Bicentennial celebrations in 1988, bush regeneration work was undertake around Roberts Park, Murrumburrah, including within the riparian zone on the eastern edge of Currawong Creek, and on the northern side of Roberts Park where a BMX bike track had formerly been in operation. As part of those environmental works, locals including Darcy Lang also undertook bush regeneration and plants on the western side of Currawong Creek. Much of those planting remain in place as mature trees as of May 2026. Unfortunately sections of the public land upon which those plantings have been made have also been appropriated for livestock grazing and horse agistment. It is unknown whether those activities have been officially sanctioned or not.
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| Currawong Creek riparian zone (yellow), Murrumburrah. Source: SIX Maps. |
Upgrades to George Coddington Park by Hilltops Council during 2024-2025 greatly improved its ability to serve both the local community and the tourism sector in regards to enjoyment of the BBQ and picnic facilities, children's playground, toilet facilities, and engagement with the aquatic environment of Currawong Creek, including flood mitigation and habitat enhancement such as the creation of a fish ladder.
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The Project
As noted in the Object section above, the following activities are proposed for that section of the western riparian zone in the vicinity of George Coddington Park and Roberts Park and progressing northwards toward the railway over-bridge, and including the area which abuts against Neil Street and Currawong Road.
1) To identify the precise boundaries of public land (owned by local and state governments, including railway related property) located on the western side of Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah, between the Albury Street main highway bridge and the railway bridge over Currawong Creek to the north.
2) To create a restored riparian zone and enhanced ecological environment within Currawong Creek and associated riparian zone located between the aforesaid (item #1) main highway bridge and railway bridge.The bush regeneration and enhancement of community plantings carried out during 1988 as part of the local Bicentennial Celebrations will create a creek, wetland and riparian zone environment which will achieve positive environmental outcomes along with the ability to integrate with the recreational aspects of the two aforementioned parks,
3) To create a public recreation area in association with the restoration of the riparian zone on the western side of Currawong Creek within Roberts Park, Murrumburrah, between the Neil Street causeway and the railway bridge to the north.
4) To create therein a walking track to serve as an adjunct to the community and tourism facilities in place at the adjacent George Coddington Park.
5) To enable public access to the Currawong Creek western riparian zone via points at the Neil Street causeway and the Bathurst Street cycleway path to the north.
This project will enhance the environmental aspects and values of the Currawong Creek and associated riparian zone, also extending the public recreation facilities of both George Coddington Park and Roberts Park. At present there is no public access to the Currawong Creek western riparian zone or the associated aquatic and wetland environment, all of which is subject to pollution and degradation as a result of cattle, sheep and horse grazing within the zone and adjacent private land. The enhancement to the riparian zone as outlined above with both protect wildlife in that zone and within Currawong Creek, whilst also enhancing public access and enjoyment of the area.
The educational value of the presence of an aquatic and wetland environment located in close proximity to Murrumburrah Public School and Catholic Primary School is also noted, offering great opportunities for learning in association with the often dynamic and complex Currawong Creek environment. Native wildlife such as platypus, eels, fish, frogs and varieties of ducks and birds are known from this area, providing a rich resource for teaching and learning.
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Darcy Lang Walking Track
In association with the bush regeneration work, it is suggested that a walking track be formed, starting a the Neil Street causeway and travelling north along the western side of Currawong Creek, passing through the area of tree plantings and by the near-creek area on to the northern entrance near Bathurst Street and the cycleway / path. It is also recommended that this track be call the Darcy Lang Walking Track in honour of the late Darcy Lang who planted trees on site during 1988 and subsequently nurtured them in lieu of support by the local council at the time.
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References
SIX Maps, New South Wales State Government, Sydney.
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Michael Organ & Martin Lang
Murrumburrah, 26 May 2026&
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