Byron Shire Council has warned the public not to try and open the entrance to Tallow Creek after a channel was dug through the sand, raising concerns about environmental damage.

In a social media post, the council said unauthorised openings of the creek mouth can have significant environmental consequences, including large-scale fish kills.

The council said sudden drops in water levels can expose aquatic vegetation, reducing oxygen levels in the water and placing fish and other aquatic life at risk.

It also warned that illegally opening the entrance can attract fines of up to $110,000.

Tallow Creek is classified as an Intermittently Closed and Open Coastal Lake or Lagoon (ICOLL), meaning its entrance naturally opens and closes over time depending on rainfall and coastal processes.

The council said the creek mouth may remain closed for varying periods due to natural beach-building processes, with openings generally occurring naturally following significant rainfall.

Byron Shire Council said it works closely with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Arakwal people, Marine Parks and NSW Fisheries to monitor and manage water levels in Tallow Creek, balancing flood risk with protection of the area’s important environmental values.

Photo Byron Council Facebook: Byron Shire Council has warned members of the public they could face fines of up to $110,000 for trying to open up Tallow Creek.