Saltwater Creek estuary is a small lagoon that meets the sea at South West Rocks on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
The entrance is predominantly closed, but intermittently opens to the sea. At times the entrance is artificially opened when heightened water levels impact on foreshore areas.
Water quality report card
As part of our water quality monitoring program we assess the water quality and ecosystem health of an estuary using a range of relevant indicators. We sample a subset of the estuaries located between the Queensland border and Taree every 3 years. The most recent sampling in Saltwater Creek (Frederickton) was completed over the 2021–22 summer, when 2 sites were sampled on a monthly basis.
This report card represents 2 water quality indicators that we routinely measure: the amount of algae present and water clarity. Low levels of these 2 indicators equate with good water quality.
Algae
Water clarity
Overall grade
The report card shows the condition of the estuary was good with:
- algae abundance graded fair (C)
- water clarity graded good (B)
- overall estuary health graded good (B).
Grades for algae, water clarity and overall are represented as:
- A – excellent
- B – good
- C – fair
- D – poor
- E – very poor.
Go to estuary report cards to find out what each grade means, read our sampling, data analysis and reporting protocols, and find out how we calculate these grades.
We have monitored water quality in Saltwater Creek (Frederickton) since 2009. This table shows the water quality grades for this estuary over that time.
| Year | Algae | Water clarity | Overall grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–13 | B | A | B |
Physical characteristics
| Estuary type | Lagoon |
|---|---|
| Latitude (ºS) | –30.88 |
| Longitude (ºE) | 153.04 |
| Catchment area (km2) | 11.1 |
| Estuary area (km2) | 0.3 |
| Estuary volume (ML) | 83.1 |
| Average depth (m) | 0.3 |
Notes: km2 = square kilometres; m = metres; ML = megalitres.
Water depth and survey data
Bathymetric and coastal topography data for this estuary are available in our data portal.
Land use
The catchment of Saltwater Creek is highly disturbed. Just over half the catchment remains as bushland, but urban development associated with South West Rocks has significantly modified land use. A golf course and substantial rural residential development exists within the drainage area.
National and marine parks
- Saltwater Creek flows from the upstream lagoon located within Hat Head National Park via the creek which is bordered by Arakoon National Park.
- This estuary does not flow into a marine park.
Community involvement
- South West Rocks Dune Care is a volunteer group that undertakes environmental restorations work around Saltwater Creek.
Aerial view of Saltwater Creek (Frederickton) lagoon and estuary.
Local government management
Local councils manage estuaries within their area unless the estuary is attached to a marine park.
Saltwater Creek estuary is managed by Kempsey Shire Council. Information about this estuary, including management and flood plans, can be found on the council’s Coast, estuaries and wetlands webpage.
Threatened species
Saltwater creek forms part of a breeding area for the threatened eastern osprey.
Find out more about the biodiversity in our estuaries.