Regulator upgrades to transform water flows on Billabong Creek

Construction is underway on two major water infrastructure upgrades along Billabong Creek, with the NSW Government replacing ageing weirs at Hartwood and Wanganella with modern, automated regulators. 

The Billabong Creek regulator upgrades form part of the broader Yanco Creek Modernisation Project, one of five key projects being delivered under the NSW Government’s Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Acceleration Program, funded by the Australian Government. 

Built in the early 20th century, the existing weirs, are now in poor condition and limit the efficient movement of water through the Yanco Creek system. They also restrict fish movement through waterways, impacting native aquatic species. 

The new state-of-the-art regulators will be automated and remotely operated, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of water delivery for environmental flows, irrigators and local communities. Each site will also feature vertical-slot fishways, supporting the movement of native fish along Billabong Creek. 

Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has commenced works, with major construction continuing throughout 2026. 

The new regulators are being built approximately 100 metres downstream of the existing Hartwood and Wanganella weirs, which will be removed once the new infrastructure is operational. 

Careful planning will ensure water continues to flow through Billabong Creek during construction, maintaining secure supply for town water, irrigation and environmental needs. 

Quotes attributable to a DCCEEW Executive Director Lisa Hingerty: 

“These upgrades will modernise ageing infrastructure and improve how water is delivered through the Yanco Creek system for both the environment and water users. 

“Importantly, the new regulators will support native fish movement by including fishways, helping to restore connectivity along Billabong Creek. 

“As one of several projects being delivered across the Yanco Creek system, this investment in smarter, automated infrastructure will help ensure water can be managed more efficiently and reliably into the future. 

“This project will play an important role in supporting healthier waterways and improving outcomes for native wildlife across the system.”