Waterwatch - Port Phillip & Westernport

Darebin Creek

Darebin Creek begins on Melbourne’s northern outskirts and travels through rural landscapes before entering urban and industrial areas as the creek flows towards Melbourne.  The creek has been heavily modified and environmental values are low. However, some threatened flora and fauna species such as the growling grass frog are present and the recent building of fishways on several barriers has improved the ability of native fish, such as common galaxias and shortfinned eel to move through the creek. The extensive network of bike paths, parks and reserves, as well as containing sites of significant Aboriginal and European heritage, contribute to a high social value.
Risks include:

• poor water quality,
• poor quality streamside zone,
• flow stress: and
• exotic fish.

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 Waterwatch data.