Local wildlife is among the main beneficiaries as clean-up work to remove storm and flood debris from Central Coast waterways and the lower Hawkesbury River nears completion.
EPA Director Incident Management and Environmental Health Arminda Ryan said the carefully planned clean-up had made waterways safer for the community, but also safer for wildlife with the marine life at Lion Island an excellent example.
"The shorelines of Lion Island in Broken Bay, home to many native species including threatened penguin colonies, has been cleared of washed up debris including building materials, broken wood, contents of sheds, by NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) contractors," Ms Ryan said.
"With penguin breeding season just around the corner, this clean-up is hugely beneficial for a species that suffers from marine pollution and could always use some help.
"The removal of debris will significantly reduce the possibility of entanglements and ingestion of plastics by wildlife and also allows the penguins easier access to their breeding spots on the island."
The work was part of the state's largest ever clean-up of its shorelines, waterways and beaches following severe rain and floods in March. Clean-up work continues in the Upper Hawkesbury.
"Approximately 1650 cubic metres of waste has been removed from the Hawkesbury River since clean-up works commenced in early April," Ms Ryan said.
Ms Ryan said the clean-up involved a significant amount of planning and used numerous resources, including aerial surveillance and on the ground intelligence from the public to locate debris and waste.
The clean-up spans waterways and shoreline from the Hawkesbury River to the Queensland border and is planned carefully to consider sensitive environments and minimise disturbance the clean-up might have on endangered wildlife such as the Little Penguin.
"The Lower Hawkesbury and Central Coast waterways are now cleared of an enormous amount of flood debris and the benefits are clear to see."
Ms Ryan praised the community for their patience and ongoing support during the clean-up.
Members of the community can report flood debris in local rivers and beaches to the Environment Line on 131 555 or
