Oyster Creek Realignment 2018-2026

The realignment of Oyster Creek, delivered as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrade between Burleigh and Palm Beach, reshaped an 870‑metre reach of this Tallebudgera Creek tributary and created a rare opportunity to integrate contemporary fish passage and freshwater habitat design. To meet waterway barrier works approval conditions, the project incorporated a suite of in‑stream features—including large refuge ponds fitted with LUNKERS and woody debris and run habitats with cross‑vanes to manage flow and reduce velocities. AFPS monitoring of the new alignment has confirmed strong ecological performance, with 11 fish species ranging from 11–445 mm and eels up to 1.2 m using the system. The presence of 11 mm larvae within the runs demonstrates effective passage between ponds, while the new refuge habitats are also supporting diverse birdlife, including pelicans, swans and ducks.