Billabong Creek Regulators

The NSW Government is replacing 2 ageing weirs along Billabong Creek at Hartwood and Wanganella with new regulators. 

The existing weirs, which were built in the early 20th century, are in poor condition, restrict fish movement and limit regulated flows through the Yanco Creek system, leading to inefficient delivery of water for the environment and water users. 

The new regulators will be fully automated, remotely operated and will include vertical-slot fishways, allowing water to be delivered more efficiently through the creek system and improving native fish passage.

Work to set up the sites is scheduled to start in early 2026. Construction will continue throughout the year with practical completion scheduled for December 2026. Commissioning and handover of the regulators is scheduled for early 2027. 

Replacing the Billabong Creek regulators is part of a range of infrastructure works being undertaken as part of the Yanco Creek Modernisation Project. This project is one of 5 projects being delivered as part of the NSW Government's Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Acceleration Program, with funding from the Australian Government.  
 

The new regulators will be located along Billabong Creek approximately 100 metres downstream of the old Hartwood and Wanganella weirs. The existing weirs will be removed after the new regulators are installed.

The construction process for the new regulators is designed to minimise impacts on water flowing through Billabong Creek, allowing water to continue to pass through for irrigation, town water and environmental purposes.

During the construction period there will be increased truck traffic along local roads including the Cobb Highway between Deniliquin and Wanganella and Conargo Road between Deniliquin and Jerilderie.

Access to the area around the new Wanganella regulator site will be restricted while work is underway, however access to Wanganella Recreation Reserve further upstream and downstream of the work site will remain open.

Regulator designs

View the designs of the new regulators below:

• Wanganella regulator
• Hartwood regulator
   

Project timeline

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for replacing the Billabong Creek regulators went on public exhibition from 1 November to 28 November 2024.

The EIS outlined:

• the proposed construction and operational footprint of two new Billabong Creek regulators
• findings from the environmental and cultural heritage assessments
• proposed steps to be taken to avoid or reduce impacts during construction and operation.

The public exhibition of the EIS allowed community members, stakeholders and businesses the opportunity to learn more and help shape this important infrastructure project.

See documents relating to the determination of the Billabong Creek EIS, including the Response to Submissions below.

Extended weekend working hours

The NSW Government is seeking agreement from residents living close to the Wanganella regulator site for extended weekend working hours to occur during construction.

Agreement is being sought for the contractor to carry out construction activities from 7am to 6pm on some weekends when required. These activities may include the use of heavy machinery exceeding noise management levels for some residents near the area where the works are taking place. 

These residents will experience typical noise levels of between 30-50dB during the extended weekend working hours, with short periods of peak noise up to 62db. For context, a running refrigerator is around 50 dB and a normal conversation is around 60-70dB.

The Water Group is sending letters to affected residents with further information. 

If you receive a letter, you can agree to the extended weekend working hours:

• online, by completing the online agreement form
• by phoning 1800 801 738 (quoting the reference number on your letter)
• by emailing water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au with the subject line Billabong Creek regulators extended weekend working hours agreement
  • include your name, address, phone number and provide your consent/agreement for extended weekend working hours to occur
• by completing the downloadable agreement form and:
  • emailing it to water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
  • posting it to: 
    Billabong Creek Regulators Project
    NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 
    Locked Bag 5022
    Parramatta NSW 2124

If you are unsure if you need to complete the agreement form, call or email us using the contact details below. 
 

The new regulators will feature vertical slot fishways to provide a passageway to help fish migrate safely upstream and downstream. 

Vertical slot fishways consist of a concrete channel bypassing a regulator or weir.

Fishways enable native fish to migrate to complete key life stages and to avoid drying habitats during drought.

An example of a vertical slot fishway is shown below: 
 

To learn more about vertical slot fishways, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries website.

Translation services

If you need help understanding this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call us on 1800 801 738.

Please note:

(a) the Complaints Register may be forwarded to government agencies, including the Department and its representatives (including independent appointments such as the environmental representative for the regulators approved by the Planning Secretary), to allow them to undertake their regulatory duties

(b) by providing personal information, you authorise the department to provide that information to government agencies 

(c) the personal information you provide is voluntary 

(d) you have the right to contact government agencies to access personal information held about you and to correct or amend that information (Collection Statement).