The Port Kembla Harbour Environment Group and Port Kembla Port Corporation have commissioned Forbes Rigby to investigate issues of sediment generation, transport and deposition, along with current riparian vegetation management issues within the major tributaries of the Allans Creek catchment.

The Allans Creek catchment is typical of Illawarra streams having steep unstable headwaters that are subject to high rainfall conditions. It has also been subject to substantial land use change over the last century including clearing of vegetation, and development of large residential and industrial areas and associated infrastructure. Ambient water quality is generally poor, due to development within the catchment. This is exacerbated by the high concentration of major industrial activities in the lower catchment with 86% of the Illawarra’s licensed discharge points being located within the catchment.

The main objectives of the study are:

• To investigate fluvial processes, erosion and sedimentation in the Allans Creek Catchment.
• To map and assess the condition of riparian lands within the catchment.
• To identify constraints to conservation and rehabilitation of riparian lands in the catchment.
• To identify possible conservation and rehabilitation strategies for riparian lands.
• To recommend remedial action, priorities and indicative cost sharing arrangements to address erosion and sedimentation problems and conservation and rehabilitation of riparian lands.