Vulnerable frogs benefit from revitalised creek

The vulnerable Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) and its delicate ecosystem can breathe a sigh of relief as the area has been carefully preserved while essential works were carried out at Fern Creek.

The rehabilitated creek is located in the Warriewood Valley nestled between bushland, local houses and the popular Rocket Park and is a declared Wildlife Protection Area.

Erosion had damaged parts of the creek and it was threatening to spread upstream and cause further damage. In addition, the Rural Fire Service need their trucks to be able to safely drive over the creek to respond to bushfire emergencies and protect the local community.

Council’s environmental team worked with internal structural engineers and an environmental contractor to provide a suitable crossing and improve the frog habitat. Red-crowned toadlets live only in the Sydney basin and are one of our significant threatened species on the Northern Beaches. Finding a Red-crowned Toadlet in Fern Creek was an exciting discovery as they normally prefer to hang out in damp locations closer to sandstone ridge tops.

A carefully placed culvert and rockworks were installed in the streambed and banks to prevent erosion. An in-stream wetland area was built further down the creek to improve the natural habitat and beautify the area. 

The creek now functions effectively for all the creatures living in it and the community can enjoy its natural beauty. 

Listen to the call of the red-crowned toadlet via the Australian Museum.