29 August 2007
A HEALTH CHECK-UP FOR LOCAL CREEKS
Creeks on Phillip and French islands are being given a through health check by Melbourne Water.
General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield said the comprehensive health check was the first of its kind undertaken on Phillip and French islands and it was absolutely necessary to obtain the information required to plan ahead to protect and improve local creeks.
"Our rivers and creeks tributaries are wonderful natural assets and it’s important that we have the information we need to plan ahead to protect and improve them.
"The information gathered from this comprehensive range of studies will be analysed and collated to inform our waterway improvement project priorities."
Mr Chesterfield said the health check involved:
- Surveying for native fish - the types of fish we would like to see in include common galaxias, spotted galaxias, dwarf galaxias, southern pygmy perch, short finned eel and tupong. We are looking at whether they are present, if not why not, and what we can do to improve their habitat. Exotic fish such as brown trout, redfin, tench and mosquito fish can be harmful to river health.
- Water quality monitoring.
- Sediment surveys - testing for toxicants such as heavy metals that may impact on aquatic life
- Macroinvetebrate survey - Macroinvertebrates mostly include aquatic insects and are great indicators of river health. They also provide food a range of aquatic animals, including native fish and frogs
- Review of frog surveys and species significance - species such as the growling grass frog and being of particular importance because of its endangered species status.
- Investigations into options for removing barriers (e.g. weirs, pipes) to fish movement, that may prevent them from accessing parts of the river and successfully breeding
Mr Chesterfield said the latest technology was also being used to undertake aerial surveys by helicopter focussing on weed mapping, fish barriers and erosion sites
"Aerial mapping gives us a bird’s eye view of the area. It provides another piece of vital information to make up the giant jigsaw puzzle of factors contributing to river health.
"While waterway health improvements occur over the long term, it’s the action that we take now that is critical."
Mr Chesterfield said everyone can have a role in protecting and improving river health.
"It’s important to remember that what enters the stormwater system can end up in local rivers and creeks."
Mr Chesterfield encouraged the community to take an interest in their local rivers and creeks.
"There are many ways that people can help protect our rivers and creeks. You can join a "friends of group", or get involved in Waterwatch, community tree planting days, frog census or just watch what you put down the stormwater system."
Mr Chesterfield said projects undertaken by Melbourne Water on Phillip and French islands were possible because Melbourne Water’s boundary had extended to cover the entire Port Phillip and Westernport region.
"We are very keen to make long term commitment to protecting and improving local rivers and creeks and to working with the community including the local council to achieve these goals."
He said more information on Melbourne Water projects and community involvement was available on Melbourne Water's website www.melbournewater.com.au or by contacting 131722.