Maribyrnong River
The Maribyrnong River flows through a gorge area, significant because of its landscape values, recreational opportunities, geomorphological significance and European and Aboriginal heritage sites. The lower Maribyrnong flows through a largely urbanised area before running through Yarraville and joining the Yarra River. River red gums and the resident platypus population are important community assets. Fishways have been installed in the lower Maribyrnong River, which will enable important native fish species such as the Australian Grayling to recolonise the upper tributaries. Risks to river health include:
- changes to flow
- lack of remnant native vegetation
- poor quality streamside zones; and
- weeds
Tributaries of Maribyrnong River:
- Jacksons Creek
- Goodmans Creek
- Deep Creek
- Steele Creek
- Taylors Creek
- Emu Creek
Steele Creek
The creek begins near Tullamarine Airport, then flows south through urban areas to meet the Maribyrnong estuary at Avondale Heights. Overall, condition is poor and there have been a number of pollution spills over the years that have contributed to poor water quality.
Taylors Creek
The creek is a small tributary of the Maribyrnong that has river red gums and interesting geological features downstream of Taylors Lakes. A site of early Aboriginal occupation, it lies north of Keilor, flowing through rapidly expanding urban areas near Sydenham. Much of the lower reaches retain natural features, and two listed frog species and water birds have been recorded at the creek. Changes in land use and catchment development much of the creek’s streamside zone has been altered and the biggest risks to stream health include:
- weeds
- altered hydrology; and
- poor water quality
Melbourne Water has developed the Index of River Condition (IRC) program to provide an overall integrated measure of the environmental condition of rivers. To find out more about the health of these rivers and creeks visit Melbourne Water’s website or request Healthy Waterways Waterwatch data.
