Byron Shire Council staff are on standby to open Belongil Creek to the ocean at the first available opportunity.
While the creek is generally a tidal waterway, a sand build-up at its mouth is currently acting like a dam, holding back water that has risen due to recent rain.
As a result of the high water levels in the creek, there is minor inundation in low-lying parts of Byron Bay and Belongil, with water filling stormwater culverts and drains and covering some pathways.
Because Belongil Creek is an ICOLL, an intermittently closed and open lake or lagoon, there are strict State Government procedures around the opening of the waterway.
"This is because ICOLLS are highly regarded, extremely sensitive aquatic environments that are susceptible to fish kills if there is a rapid decrease in water levels in absence of adequate rainfall," Chloe Dowsett, Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator, said.
"We cannot legally open the creek mouth until there is an adequate forecast of rain which aims to reduce, but not eliminate, the chance of a fish kill," Ms Dowsett said.
"In line with strict operational and environmental conditions that must be met, Council has permission from NSW Crown Lands and Fisheries (Marine Parks) to manually open the creek when the opportunity arises.
"Council is very aware of the high water levels and we will get heavy machinery onto the beach to open the mouth of the Belongil as soon as we are able to," she said.
