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Transport for NSW is responsible for maintaining a wide range of jetties and wharf facilities across the state. As with land-based projects, prior to undertaking any wharf maintenance or construction activities, reviews must be undertaken of local aquatic flora and fauna and potential impacts.

Of particular concern is the potential to harm a range of Syngnathids, members of the family Syngnathidae, which include critically endangered seahorses, as well as pipefish and pipehorses.

Unlike fish, Syngnathids cannot move away from wharf piles and upgrades so infrastructure can directly impact them due to the disturbance or removal of their habitat. They are also susceptible to the increases in turbulence caused by works being undertaken in the area.

Prior to commencement of works, Transport completes detailed surveys of any existing population and relocates them to nearby appropriate habitats both natural and man-made to ensure their safety.

Excellent examples of the strategies put in place to protect these vulnerable species include the recently completed North Sydney Wharf upgrade and our ongoing harbour works in Eden.

North Sydney Wharf Upgrade

Delivered as part of the NSW Government's Transport Access Program, the North Sydney Wharf Upgrade is one of several major, progressive upgrades to wharves across Sydney Harbour. The program is designed to improve Sydney’s ferry services for customers, by delivering accessible, safe, and comfortable public transport infrastructure. A range of wharf upgrades have already been completed, with a more on track for delivery later this year and into next.

Transport is committed to ensuring we protect our marine environment while undertaking the wharf upgrade works. At this stage, no artificial seahorse habitats are being installed as part of the Sydney Harbour Wharf projects, instead, populations are being managed using existing habitats. Any species found in the works areas are being relocated to pre-determined appropriate new sites, in line with the Relocation Plan developed and agreed upon with NSW Department Primary Industries - Fisheries.

Prior to commencement of the North Sydney Wharf Upgrade, a pre-construction survey for White's Seahorse was undertaken in December 2021. White’s Seahorses are listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act (Federal) and NSW Fisheries Management Act.

During the survey, one seahorse was found. While being transported to his new habitat, he gave birth and the new family was successfully relocated, in line with the Relocation Plan.

Eden Safe Harbour Project

The Port of Eden is an active working port, supporting a variety of recreational, commercial, and port vessel operations on the New South Wales far south coast. The port can occasionally be exposed to significant wind and wave conditions which affect maritime safety and increase the risk of damage to vessels moored in Snug Cove or berthed on either the Mooring Jetty or Multi-Purpose Jetty.

The Eden Safe Harbour Project will provide a safer harbour for local and visiting vessels and improve the protection of existing maritime infrastructure within Snug Cove. A fixed wave wall is being installed to calm wave activity in the cove, to provide a safe harbour for local and visiting vessels, and protect maritime infrastructure. Providing a safer harbour will enhance Eden’s reputation as a safe boating destination, which is anticipated to stimulate local investment in the maritime and tourism sectors.

Transport is also undertaking maintenance work on the Mooring Jetty, which includes components which have exceeded their design life. The works include replacement of 109 existing timber fender piles with steel piles, and installation of the low-level landing.

Prior to starting this extensive work, a team of marine biologist divers were engaged to ensure any seahorses who may have been living among the timber structure foundations were relocated to a safe location within Snug Cove. In total, eight seahorses were collected and relocated to their new home with the marine biologists confirming that all eight were different coloured variants of the “Pot Belly Seahorse” species – Hippocampus abdominalis.

Another aspect of monitoring the impact of works on marine life during the project involves a species which is at the opposite end of the size-scale to the endangered seahorses - whales.

As whale migration season occurs, our dedicated “marine mammal observers” are keeping a close eye out for inquisitive whale activity. If any whales come within 2km of the construction zone, piling will cease until our guests have safely departed the area.

At Transport, we embed sustainability in all our projects and programs by using detailed assessments to identify environmental risks, including any flora or fauna that may be impacted by any work being done for a Transport project.

Undertaking the research for a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Biodiversity Development Assessment Report can be challenging. It is a combination of field work assessments during different seasons, and at different times of the day and night, as well as a large amount of desk-based research. Once prepared, the reports go out for public consultation as part of the planning approval pathways. In additional to gaining valuable community insights, public consultation can have significant benefits in terms of environmental risk mitigation opportunities obtained through this process.

A recent example was during the REF display period on the Great Western Highway Upgrade Program – Little Hartley to Lithgow (West Section). Despite a number of biodiversity surveys undertaken in the River Lett area and researching for recent sightings going back 5 years, no evidence of platypus activity was found. However due to a large amount of community feedback, the project team and the environmental consultants revisited the areas and undertook extensive in-field investigations. To their delight they uncovered evidence of the platypus on the riverbank and as a result, safeguards to protect this significant animal have been put in place.

The protection measures now include:

• avoiding earth works on the riverbank during breeding season

• designating No Go Zones in certain areas during construction

• checking under the construction zones for burrows and

• avoiding placement of drainage lines where platypus may potentially burrow.

Thanks to local community knowledge during the REF consultation process, the project was able to mitigate possible project impacts to one of our unique Australian mammals – the platypus!