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The environment of Kororoit Creek has changed greatly since settlement. The processes of urbanisation, industrial development and grazing have impacted on its condition. The central section of the creek, bounded by an urbanised and industrial setting, retains little pre- European vegetation and fauna habitat. The highest floral and faunal values of the creek exist in the least modified, rural areas to the north. The native vegetation of the creek corridor is highly degraded. Many plant species have become extinct within the creek corridor and populations of most remaining species are critically endangered. Of the 445 plant species recorded in the creek corridor 53% are indigenous. The proportion of exotic plants is high and weed invasion is prevalent along the entire length of the creek.(link to weeds along the creek) Nevertheless, the surviving indigenous vegetation along the creek corridor is still significant. All native species have at least local significance, with several having State and National significance. Remnant vegetation has been identified at approximately 60 sites along the creek corridor. The faunal diversity along Kororoit Creek is relatively low and is dominated by introduced species. Some 112 species of fauna have been recorded along Kororoit Creek, most of which are birds. Indigenous species include 73 bird; 11 reptile; four frog; four fish; two mammal; and one crustacean. Of these, two species are of National significance and six are of State significance. The Growling Grass Frogs, a key species of the riparian zone, has been recorded at various locations along the creek. The in-stream and aquatic zones of Kororoit Creek provide relatively high faunal habitat compared to the terrestrial habitat corridor. Several sections of Kororoit Creek contain deep pools which provide important habitat, especially for frog species. The primary impacts on aquatic values include riparian zone disturbance and invasion of aquatic pests. Kororoit Creek still functions as a minor habitat corridor for the movement of wildlife within the region. The coastal salt-marsh areas in Altona near Cherry Lake and at Altona Coastal Park are home to thousands of water birds and waders that migrate annually to the inter-tidal flats at the mouth of the Creek. These birds are recognised by international treaties. |
Kororoit Creek hosts a vast array of plant, animal and bird life. While much of the original vegetation has disappeared over the past few years, we are revegetating the area with native flora. We hope that this will lead to an increase in the existing wildlife and encourage the native fauna to proliferate.
Vegetation on steep riverine slopes has survived only on narrow, rocky outcrops at the escarpment edge and slopes too steep to graze.
Most has been replaced by Lycium ferrocissimum (Boxthorn), and introduced grasses. Escarpment vegetation is remarkably homogenous. Acacia implexa, Bursia spinosa and hymenanthera dentata are found in most stands. Ferns are common amongst the rocks.
Species growing in the shallow soils of escarpment edges are well adapted to their habitat and require little management. Lycium ferrocissimum (Boxthorn) could be removed from river slopes and replaced with appropriate species.
The following indigenous species have been recorded although the list is undoubtedly incomplete as some vegetation types have not been thoroughly surveyed.
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Gold-dust Wattle - Acacia acinacea |
Cherry Ballart - Exocarpus cupressiformis |
