Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant Creekbank Repairs

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The Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant began operating in 1970 and services homes and businesses in Adelaide’s south. It also provides recycled water for toilet flushing and irrigation of agricultural areas in McLaren Vale and Willunga.

Running inside the plant's southern boundary and out to the sea lies Christie Creek, whose catchment covers 34sq/km, spanning the Onkaparinga Hills face from Bains Road to Piggot Range Road.

Where the creek runs through our site, we have identified 4 key erosion zones which we have been monitoring to determine their rate of decline and how to fix them. Using collected water flow data to inform our design process, we will be repairing these sites starting in 2026.


Erosion repair sites along the Christie Creek alignment:

Site 1: This site has been impacted in recent years by increased stormwater in-flows and invasive reeds growing in the creek bed that have altered the creek's natural course. To counter this, we will install a temporary alignment fence at the base of the erosion zone which will catch coarse material and build a buffer between the fast water and exposed bank, then we will reinforce the toe of the bank using a combination of large rocks and concrete blocks. These will run the height of the embankment but leave room for new vegetation, which will be planted around the repair site to control further erosion.

Site 2: This is adjacent the main vehicle access point to the plant for heavy traffic and has been impacted by storm water ingress off Hunter Road. This run-off has caused the creek bank to erode and crack the support wall on the bridge's western side. To repair this, we will be renewing the concrete at the bridge's edge and constructing a support wall where the creek bank meets the waterline. This will provide the necessary support to the upper sides of the bridge to prevent further cracking and stabilize the embankment.

Site 3: Due to stormwater outflows from the treatment plant at the creek mouth and erosion caused by significant rain events, this site will be repaired adjacent the coastal path and down at the waterline. These works will require the use of heavy machinery and impact path users at times. Any restrictions to pathway access during works will be advised in advance using signage on site and will be limited to weekdays only. Access from the northern end to the beach path near the creek will still be open.

Site 4: Revegetation and pathway changes:

The area within the blue lines shown above has another erosion site within it on the creek’s southern side. For public safety, we have fenced this erosion site with stock-style fencing, extending from the bridge's eastern-side railings and continuing through the adjacent scrub. The fence follows the creek alignment then connects back with the original path to the creek trail, funnelling coastal path users from the bridge along Hunter Road to the east.

We are working to revegetate the area to attract birds and butterflies with native plants. By fencing-off and revegetating this erosion site, we will keep the existing trees whilst adding more.

Creating a safe corridor for pedestrians using the treatment plant access bridge over Christie Creek:

in 2027 we will separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic using the bridge on the plant’s Hunter Road-side. We aim to create a safe separation between vehicles and people with a protective barrier, to install fit-for-purpose railing and have clearly marked entry and exit points for all bridge users.


This project is complex in its nature due to working next to and over the waterway. Our construction delivery partners will commence on site activities in late September and be working to strict environmental guidelines to ensure minimal impact upon the creek.

Our completion timeframe for sites 1, 2 and 3 is currently projected to be early December 2026.

Sign up to the project using the Follow Project widget. Here you will be able to receive updates as things progress on site, be able to view timelines, and ask questions.

Our project's initial focus will be on creekbank restoration works with Site 4 works and the bridge to follow in 2027. Add your details to the Follow Project widget at the page's top right to stay informed.

The Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant began operating in 1970 and services homes and businesses in Adelaide’s south. It also provides recycled water for toilet flushing and irrigation of agricultural areas in McLaren Vale and Willunga.

Running inside the plant's southern boundary and out to the sea lies Christie Creek, whose catchment covers 34sq/km, spanning the Onkaparinga Hills face from Bains Road to Piggot Range Road.

Where the creek runs through our site, we have identified 4 key erosion zones which we have been monitoring to determine their rate of decline and how to fix them. Using collected water flow data to inform our design process, we will be repairing these sites starting in 2026.


Erosion repair sites along the Christie Creek alignment:

Site 1: This site has been impacted in recent years by increased stormwater in-flows and invasive reeds growing in the creek bed that have altered the creek's natural course. To counter this, we will install a temporary alignment fence at the base of the erosion zone which will catch coarse material and build a buffer between the fast water and exposed bank, then we will reinforce the toe of the bank using a combination of large rocks and concrete blocks. These will run the height of the embankment but leave room for new vegetation, which will be planted around the repair site to control further erosion.

Site 2: This is adjacent the main vehicle access point to the plant for heavy traffic and has been impacted by storm water ingress off Hunter Road. This run-off has caused the creek bank to erode and crack the support wall on the bridge's western side. To repair this, we will be renewing the concrete at the bridge's edge and constructing a support wall where the creek bank meets the waterline. This will provide the necessary support to the upper sides of the bridge to prevent further cracking and stabilize the embankment.

Site 3: Due to stormwater outflows from the treatment plant at the creek mouth and erosion caused by significant rain events, this site will be repaired adjacent the coastal path and down at the waterline. These works will require the use of heavy machinery and impact path users at times. Any restrictions to pathway access during works will be advised in advance using signage on site and will be limited to weekdays only. Access from the northern end to the beach path near the creek will still be open.

Site 4: Revegetation and pathway changes:

The area within the blue lines shown above has another erosion site within it on the creek’s southern side. For public safety, we have fenced this erosion site with stock-style fencing, extending from the bridge's eastern-side railings and continuing through the adjacent scrub. The fence follows the creek alignment then connects back with the original path to the creek trail, funnelling coastal path users from the bridge along Hunter Road to the east.

We are working to revegetate the area to attract birds and butterflies with native plants. By fencing-off and revegetating this erosion site, we will keep the existing trees whilst adding more.

Creating a safe corridor for pedestrians using the treatment plant access bridge over Christie Creek:

in 2027 we will separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic using the bridge on the plant’s Hunter Road-side. We aim to create a safe separation between vehicles and people with a protective barrier, to install fit-for-purpose railing and have clearly marked entry and exit points for all bridge users.


This project is complex in its nature due to working next to and over the waterway. Our construction delivery partners will commence on site activities in late September and be working to strict environmental guidelines to ensure minimal impact upon the creek.

Our completion timeframe for sites 1, 2 and 3 is currently projected to be early December 2026.

Sign up to the project using the Follow Project widget. Here you will be able to receive updates as things progress on site, be able to view timelines, and ask questions.

Our project's initial focus will be on creekbank restoration works with Site 4 works and the bridge to follow in 2027. Add your details to the Follow Project widget at the page's top right to stay informed.

Page last updated: 26 Aug 2026, 01:47 PM