Werribee River
The Werribee River divided into three sections:
- The Upper Werribee River
- The Middle Werribee River , and
- The Lower Werribee River and Lollypop Creek
Upper Werribee River
The headwaters of the Werribee River lie in the Wombat State Forest and flow south east to the undulating plains north of Ballan. The Upper Werribee contains areas of relatively intact streamside vegetation and the occasional fishing spot. Korweinguboora and Dale Creeks feed Pykes Creek Reservoir, which provide water to the towns of Melton and Bacchus Marsh. Key risks to river health include:
- barriers to fish migration
- poor quality streamside zone; and
- stock access
Tributaries of the Upper Werribee River:
- Korweinguboora Creek
- Dale Creeks
Middle Werribee River
This section of the Werribee River rises near Ballan and runs towards Myrniong, Bacchus Marsh and Melton. It includes the Pykes and Melton reservoirs, which provides water to the towns of Melton and Bacchus Marsh. Much of this area is an Urban Water Supply Protection Area. The Werribee Gorge is notable because of its landscape values, geological significance and presence of relatively intact native vegetation. It also provides good habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, such as platypus. Risks to the health of the Werribee River through this section include:
- changes to the natural flow regime
- erosion
- fish barriers including the major reservoirs; and
- weeds
Tributaries of the Middle Werribee River:
- Korkuperimmul Creek
- Myrniong Creek
- Toolern Creek
Lower Werribee River and Lollipop Creek
This area includes the Lower Werribee River and Lollipop Creek. The Lower Werribee runs through Werribee and the Western Treatment Plant before it flows into Port Phillip Bay. The river is a significant recreational area for passive recreation as well as fishing and boating. Through the Western Treatment Plant, the Werribee River is associated with important migratory wading bird habitat. The lower Werribee River is home to a range of fish species and lined with highly valued river red gums. Water is taken from the lower Werribee River to supply an intensive vegetable growing area at Werribee South. Key risks to the Lower Werribee River include:
- changes to the natural flow regime
- loss of streamside vegetation and weeds
- urban growth
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.
