Skeleton Creek
Skeleton Creek originates in a rural area near Mt Cottrell and passes through urban areas before it flows into Port Phillip Bay. The Cheetham Wetlands, a site of significance for migratory birds, is located in the catchment. The creek has important Aboriginal spiritual significance and parts of the creek are popular sites for recreation. Skeleton Creek is in moderate condition, but it is becoming increasingly urbanised as new developments extend from Hoppers Crossing. This new development poses a major risk to the health of the river, if not managed in a sustainable manner. Other key risks include:
- poor water quality; and
- poor quality of streamside vegetation.
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.
