Know Your River Maribyrnong River

Maribyrnong River



Contents

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Foreword

4

Discover your Maribyrnong River

8

Maribyrnong River map

10

Maribyrnong River in History

12

Flood Management

16

Stormwater and water quality

18

Wildlife of the waterways

22

  Fish

24

 Birds

30

  Frogs

38

  Mammals

44

 Reptiles

50

 Bugs and Insects

56

 Plants

60

Glossary

66

Bibliography & References

68

Foreword



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Rivers and creeks are an important part of our lives. Whether we cycle or walk alongside them, use the water, or row or fish in them, we love our local waterways.

What is this booklet for?

Over the years, community attitudes and expectations for our rivers have changed. More people understand that we should no longer use our waterways as dumping grounds for industrial and domestic waste, and that development and farming should not be at the expense of our rivers.

It will help you know and understand more about the river, the ecosystem it supports, its plants and animals, how it is affected by flooding and some of the challenges it faces. It will also help you, your family and friends care for the creek.

At Melbourne Water, the way we manage rivers has changed, too. Historically, most of our efforts were on controlling floods and carrying out engineering works to maintain the stability of river beds and banks. Today, most of our efforts go into vegetation and habitat works. Our long-term goal is to ensure our rivers and creeks are healthy with increased numbers of native fish, platypus and plant life. As the caretaker of river health in the Port Phillip and Westernport region, we believe everyone can do simple things to make sure our waterways are healthy. We work with many inspiring people who are doing a great job looking after our rivers and the plants and animals that depend on a healthy river environment. Caring for our rivers involves community, councils, developers, farmers and other government agencies. It is only by working together that we will achieve a sustainable water future. Chris Chesterfield General Manager, Waterways

This is one of a set of booklets developed by Melbourne Water about the major rivers and creeks in the Port Phillip and Westernport region. In this booklet, you will find a variety of information about Maribyrnong River and its environment.

You can carry the booklet when you are exploring Maribyrnong River or keep it as a reference at home. Who is Melbourne Water? Melbourne Water is owned by the Victorian Government. We manage Melbourne’s water supply catchments, remove and treat most of Melbourne’s sewage, and manage rivers and creeks and major drainage systems throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport region.



What is Melbourne Water doing to protect and improve rivers and creeks? Our role is to improve the health, quality, amenity and community understanding of the region’s waterways, to manage environmental flows and water quality, to provide an appropriate level of flood protection for communities, to support sustainable development, and to engage with our community. Historically most of our efforts focused on flood management and engineering works to maintain the stability of bed and banks. Today we manage rivers and creeks to protect their environmental, social and economic values. Most of our work goes into revegetation and reviving habitat. What you can do Everyone has a role in protecting and caring for our rivers and creeks. You can get involved by joining Friends, Landcare or other volunteer groups. See melbournewater.com.au for contact details of groups in your area. How you can reduce stormwater pollution, build a raingarden, Page 18. How can I get more information about Melbourne’s rivers and creeks? For more information on how we are working with the community and others to improve the health of rivers and creeks, see melbournewater.com.au/riversandcreeks

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Community champion Ian Taylor – member of Sunbury Landcare Association, owner/ operator of indigenous nursery and environmental education centre Western Plains Flora, and long-term volunteer at Organ Pipes National Park. ‘I have had a lifelong interest in the natural environment, and have had a wonderful and satisfying time working on the Maribyrnong River with like-minded people and sharing knowledge with them. The biggest challenges for this waterway are low flows resulting from the drought and too many dams and pollution. People must be mindful that their daily activities can contribute to pollution of the river. We have been active in caring for the Maribyrnong River through weed removal, revegetation and water quality monitoring. We are working to encourage more landowners to protect the waterway by undertaking their own weed removal and by ensuring that revegetation becomes part of their yearly maintenance. People play a major part in ensuring that the Maribyrnong remains a place of natural beauty and somewhere that people can enjoy. Volunteering in a ‘Friends of’ group or by holding working bees with family and friends are great ways of getting involved.’

Discover your Maribyrnong River



As the second major river in metropolitan Melbourne, the Maribyrnong plays a very important part in Melbourne’s recreation, providing opportunities for boating, cycling, fishing, walking and nature lovers. The Maribyrnong River runs for 160 kilometres from its source on the slopes of Mount Macedon near Lancefield, about 50 km north of Melbourne, and flows through Keilor North, Keilor, Kealba, Sunshine North, Maribyrnong, Flemington, Footscray and Yarraville to Port Phillip Bay. The Maribyrnong catchment lies north-west of Melbourne. It covers 143 square kilometres and yields an average annual flow of 120,000 million litres. Average rainfall in the catchment exceeds 1000mm in the ranges, declining to less than 500mm on the lower plains. All the catchment’s rivers and creeks are subject to extended periods of low flow. The Maribyrnong River has two main branches, Deep Creek and Jacksons Creek. Both are fed by tributaries including Boyd Creek and Konagaderra Creek. The main trunk stream is referred to as the Maribyrnong River downstream of the junction of Deep and Jacksons Creeks, about two-thirds of the way between Keilor and Bulla. The catchment boundaries extend from near Rosslynne Reservoir in the west, to the Cobaw Ranges and Mount William in the north and to Pretty Sally Hill and Konagaderra in the east. About 10% of the catchment retains natural vegetation, 80% is agricultural and 10% urban. A small forestry industry (both hardwood and plantation) occurs in the upper reaches. Urban development is confined to the lower reaches in greater Melbourne and to the larger rural townships scattered throughout the catchment. Significant portions of the areas set aside for forestry in the northern and north-western regions of the basin are also utilised as water supply catchments for rural townships. To Aboriginal people, this land is a medicine cabinet and a supermarket. A rich Aboriginal culture exists and some of the most significant sites in the region are found in this catchment.

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Brimbank Park contains evidence of human occupation for 40,000 years, or as the Aboriginal people believe, since time began. The Wurundjeri people always had a deep connection to the land along the Maribyrnong River. Today, occupation and burial sites and scar trees are managed in partnership with local communities, councils and Government to keep Aboriginal history alive. Volcanic rocks have determined much of the physical character of the area. Molten lava flowed from active vents and cooled to form sheets of basalt, or bluestone. The plains of the western suburbs owe their flatness to these lava flows. Since the plains of bluestone were formed, the Maribyrnong River has cut through the plain, and it is because this rock was so hard and resistant that the river has such steep banks. Bluestone from Fowler’s Quarry at Niddrie is about four and a half million years old. This means that rock in the Keilor Plains area belongs to the geologic period called Pliocene.

Maribyrnong Catchment

MELBOURNE



Maribyrnong River Map

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MELBOURNE AIRPORT KEILOR NORTH Prefabricated Building Keilor

Mari byrnong Overnewton and Gatehouse KEILOR

Friends of the Taylors Creek

Trestle Bridge KEILOR PARK

lor’s Ta y ek Cre

Keilor Hotel

ek Cre ele Ste

Rive r

KEALBA

KEILOR EAST

0

1

2

3

4

5

ESSENDON WEST Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley

Kilometres

ABERFELDIE

AVONDALE HEIGHTS

Threatened fauna and flora Amphibians

Birds

Mammals

Water birds

Reptiles

Large nocturnal birds

Invertebrates

Fish

Bats

Marine mammals

SUNSHINE NORTH

Essendon Incinerator Complex MARIBYRNONG

MOONEEPONDS

ASCOT VALE

ETA Factory MAIDSTONE BRAYBROOK

Jack's Magazine

FLEMINGTON

Native flora species FOOTSCRAY

Aboriginal cultural features

KENSINGTON

Area contains Aboriginal cultural features. The predominant feature within the area is shown using the following symbols: Aboriginal artefact scatter

Aboriginal quarry

Scarred Tree

Aboriginal mound

Henderson House and Saltwater River Crossing Site WEST MELBOURNE YARRAVILLE

Yarra River

Other map symbols Community group

Maribyrnong River

Maribyrnong catchment

Other waterway

Victorian heritage registered site Symbols are representative of the types of features found within the surrounding area only. Symbols do not represent numbers, individual species or exact position of features.

Port Phillip Bay

Maribyrnong River in history

The name Maribyrnong is a version of the Aboriginal term ‘Mirring-gnay-bir-nong’, which translates as ‘I can hear a ringtail possum’. Maribyrnong River was originally called Saltwater River because seawater from Hobson’s Bay penetrated the river for a considerable distance. The skeletons of a shark and dolphin were found under Maribyrnong Park, while oysters and other marine shells have been found where Steele Creek enters the Maribyrnong.



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Early European observers noted many signs of habitation along the Maribyrnong. In 1802, the Deputy Surveyor-General of New South Wales, Charles Grimes observed a fish trap at Solomon’s Ford, and in 1841 Chief Aboriginal Protector George Augustus Robinson noted numerous stone ovens along the river. Excavations for the Commonwealth Explosives Factory, which occupies a deep bend in the river, turned up huge numbers of stone implements in 1908-09.

Once the tides of Hobson’s Bay influenced the Maribyrnong as far as Braybrook and Avondale Heights. The Maribyrnong originally flowed directly into Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra flowed into the Maribyrnong.

In 1839, a punt was established on the river near its junction with the Yarra near Footscray to provide a crossing point for travellers to Williamstown, Geelong and points beyond. A settlement known as ‘Saltwater’ evolved around the punt. This site grew into the city named after the English town of Footscray. Since this time, the area has seen almost constant change as communities and industries have come and gone.

Before the arrival of European explorers and settlers, the area around Footscray was utilised by the Marin Bulluk clan of the Wurundjeri tribe for more than 40,000 years.

In 1854, philanthropist Caroline Chisholm began her campaign to provide cheap and safe accommodation for families of diggers, as well as newly arrived immigrants, along the track to the goldfields.

The Maribyrnong was of great importance to the traditional people and was used for food, medicine, construction material, drinking water and travelling by canoe. Edible plants grew on the river flats, big game such as kangaroos and emus were found on the great basalt plains along with smaller animals such as echidna, possum, lizards and water birds, while fish and eels thrived in the river.

In 1855, 10 shelter sheds or protection posts (including stoves) were built at Essendon, Keilor, Robertsons, The Gap, Gisborne, The Black Forest, Woodend, Carlsruhe, Malmsbury and Elphinstone.

The Maribyrnong valley also has outcrops of a hard rock called silcrete, formed from the weathering of basalt, which was quarried for use in making small, flaked stone implements. Eleven Aboriginal silcrete quarries have been found along the Maribyrnong and its tributaries. The most easily seen is near the Lily Street lookout in Essendon West.

The site of the former shelter shed at Keilor is located on Old Calder Highway. A panel, just beyond the Maribyrnong River crossing, records the history of the sheds. Keilor’s market gardening tradition began when David Milburn settled in the valley in 1857. A skilled gardener, he gained the nickname ‘Davey the Basket-Man’ because he sold fruit, vegetables and butter at the roadside to diggers travelling to the goldfields. Acknowledged as the first irrigator in Victoria, in 1857 he developed an irrigation method using a hand pump to draw water from the river.



Commercial passenger boats began operating along the Maribyrnong in 1896, and the Wine Hall, which served local wines and other refreshments to picnickers and boaters, hit its heyday in 1906 when trams from Flemington Bridge linked with boats at the Anglers Arms Hotel. The nearby Riverview Teagardens opened in 1909. The gardens were elaborate with sportsgrounds, kiosks, a dance hall and aviaries. The gardens and associated pleasure cruises were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The Living Museum of the West at Pipemakers Park has a great deal of pictorial and printed information on the history of the Maribyrnong River Valley. During the second half of the 19th century, Footscray developed into the powerhouse of Melbourne’s industrial wealth. The Maribyrnong River became an industrial corridor and suffered from severe environmental degradation. A decline in manufacturing followed in the 1960s and 1970s, which led to substantial unemployment. Today, industrial closures on the river are being turned to advantage, creating potential for new development. The opportunity to enjoy a waterside location close to central Melbourne has driven regeneration of the surrounding areas. The City of Maribyrnong comprises the suburbs of Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville. It has a workforce of more than 21,000 in professional occupations as well as tradespeople, production/transport workers and labourers, and is home to more than 3,500 businesses. Council’s industry surveys indicate that between 1990 and 2000, some 127 industries were established, creating more than 2,400 jobs.

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Until the 1940s, the population of the Footscray area was overwhelmingly Australian born or from the British Isles. Following the Second World War, waves of migrants and refugees arrived from Europe and the Americas, and by 1966 almost one-third of the population was overseas born, mostly from Italy, Greece, Malta, Poland, the former Republic of Yugoslavia, and Germany. By the 1980s the area was a major location for the settlement of migrants and refugees, particularly from Indochina, the Middle East and Central and South America. Recent arrivals include people from the Horn of Africa and the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Flooding of the Maribyrnong River Floods have inundated the low-lying floodplains along the lower reaches of the Maribyrnong River on numerous occasions. The first recorded flood was in 1871, with the September 1906 flood considered the largest on record, followed by another in May 1974. Due to the extensive records of flooding in the catchment, it has been possible for this information to be used in mathematical models that have determined the 1 in 100-year flood levels (a flood has a 1% chance of occurrence in any given year). It is these calculated flood levels that have been used to set conditions for development along the river. In May 1974, residents of Maribyrnong experienced considerable hardship, particularly as the flooding occurred without warning. In July 1975, a real time flood monitoring system, measuring rainfall and river levels, was established for the catchment. The system enables residents to temporarily relocate possessions such as personal belongings, furniture and motor vehicles.

Flood management

Melbourne Water is the floodplain manager for the Port Phillip and Westernport region. Melbourne Water has a program in place to monitor the condition of the waterways and drainage system to ensure it provides essential flood protection. We undertake flood planning management to minimise the risks to public health and safety, property and infrastructure. Flood modelling and mapping identifies the extent of floodaffected areas (for a 1 in 100-year storm). Development in these areas is controlled via the Planning Scheme (typically special building overlays or land subject to inundation overlays) to minimise the risk of flooding new properties. Melbourne Water continuously monitors the Maribyrnong River level and rainfall within the catchment using automatic rain gauges and water level monitoring stations. We forecast if a flood event is likely if the river level continues to rise after sustained rainfall. If a flood is predicted, flood warnings are sent to the Bureau of Meteorology. The warnings are then relayed to the relevant councils and State Emergency Services and broadcast by media. Councils use the information to advise the community of the potential for flooding. The river and rainfall information collected is also used to study and better understand many aspects of the water cycle within the catchment, including river health and flows such as during drought conditions.



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What can people do to help? Historical flood markers are located on the banks of Maribyrnong River near Plantation Street. These indicate flood events that have impacted on the community in the past. They will also be the indicator for floods that may affect you in the future. People can help the process by helping themselves. A good start is being aware of the potential for your property or home to be flooded. If you live on the floodplain, prepare yourself by gathering information from the history about what type of flood events might affect you. There are several things you can do to prepare for a flood. For example, compile a flood kit containing your valuables, such as photographs. Flooding is a natural process and can happen at any time. It is essential that you check with your council before beginning building works and ensure that you comply with the Planning Scheme requirements. Keep as much of your property grassed (not paved) as possible to reduce run-off during storms and maintain a buffer from your local waterway. Collecting the rainwater falling on your roof and using ground surfaces that let the rain soak into the ground (e.g. grass instead of concrete) reduces the amount of stormwater travelling from your property to your waterway. If enough people took these steps, it would reduce flood levels in waterways.

Stormwater and water quality



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How stormwater pollutes rivers and creeks

Build a raingarden

In developed areas, rain that falls on roads, roof and pavements picks up contaminants such as pollutants, waste, nutrients and litter and runs down gutters and drains into our rivers and creeks. This water is known as stormwater and represents a major threat to river health.

The best way to protect rivers and creeks from stormwater is to hold it back and let it slowly filter through the soil as it would in the natural environment. Raingardens are a simple solution to stormwater pollution. They resemble regular home gardens with one main difference – rainwater is directed into them from your downpipe or paved area.

The rush of polluted water into rivers and creeks causes damage every time it rains. The volume and frequency of polluted stormwater mean that only the most tolerant organisms can live in the river or creek. In the worst cases, degraded rivers and creeks act more like drains than natural ecosystems, sending loads of pollutants straight to bays, estuaries and oceans. How you can reduce stormwater pollution There are simple things we can all do to minimise contaminants flowing into our rivers and creeks: › Service motor vehicles regularly and watch for leaking oil, brake fluid or other chemicals › Use fertilisers sparingly and lightly hose into the garden after application › Compost garden waste, especially lawn clippings › Use plants and landscaping on steep slopes to prevent topsoils washing away and reduce erosion › Pick up dog droppings and put them in the compost or rubbish bin › Never dispose of paint or chemicals down stormwater drains › Place all litter in council-collected rubbish bins and ensure lids are secured and tight. Storing rainwater in tanks and connecting them to appliances such as toilets and washing machines also reduces stormwater pollution and helps protect local rivers and creeks. And it is a simple way of conserving drinking water.

Plants in a raingarden soak up water and nutrients in run-off from your roof, and the bed captures sediment. So raingardens reduce the stormwater and pollutants that would otherwise flow into the stormwater drain and your local river or creek. Raingardens also provide habitat for native birds, butterflies and even frogs. For information on how to create a raingarden visit: melbournewater.com.au/raingardens



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What is water quality?

What sites do we monitor?

Stormwater quality has a direct impact on the water quality of our rivers and creeks.

Melbourne Water conducts water quality monitoring at four sites along the Maribyrnong River. Our water quality monitoring program is designed to assess broad-scale, long-term trends in water quality (typically over eight to ten years).

Water quality describes the condition of a river or creek and its suitability for different purposes (also known as environmental values). In a healthy river or creek, the water quality supports a rich and varied community of organisms, and sustains public health or agriculture.

Sites are sampled monthly, and tested for the following water quality indicators: › water temperature

What is the water quality in the Maribyrnong River?

› dissolved oxygen

Water quality in the Maribyrnong River is generally good in the upper catchment, but decreases progressively downstream, mainly as a result of nutrients running into the river from agricultural activities.

› salinity (conductivity)

Most of the Maribyrnong catchment is located in a comparatively low rainfall area, and streamflow is a major issue for its rivers and creeks. Drawing water for domestic and agricultural use has altered the pattern of flows in a number of the rivers and creeks and the change in natural flow poses a major risk to river health. In recent years, below average rainfall in the catchment has contributed to flows being markedly lower than long-term averages.

› pH level › nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, Kjeldahl nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus and total phosphorus) › faecal contamination (E. coli) › metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc). Sites are located at: › Arundel Road, Keilor › Brimbank Park Ford (upstream Taylors Creek), Keilor › Canning Street Ford, Avondale Heights › the end of Newsom Street, Ascot Vale West. Getting involved Friends, Landcare and other volunteer groups play an important role in protecting and improving rivers and creeks. If you want to find out more about these community groups and get involved yourself, visit the Melbourne Water website melbournewater.com.au for up-to-date contact details for groups in your area.

Wildlife of the waterways

The areas surrounding the Maribyrnong River are home to a range of animals including birds, frogs, fish and mammals. Many native plants have disappeared and introduced plants such as willows and blackberries now dominate waterways in the catchment. Drawing water for domestic and agricultural use has altered the pattern of flows in a number of these waterways. In areas that are being urbanised, changes are also expected as increased run-off generates more flows into rivers and creeks. Such changes in flow patterns can impact on the fish, frogs and other species living in our waterways. Recent studies in the catchment have focused on the importance of ensuring sufficient flow to protect the animals and plants that live there. We have provided you with an overview of some of the animals you are most likely to see in the area but don’t be surprised if you see even more!



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Fish



In 2005, the Maribyrnong catchment including its major tributaries were surveyed for fish. The surveys captured more than 5000 fish across 38 survey sites. Ten species of native fish and eight species of exotic fish were found. Native fish made up 65% of all fish sampled. There were good numbers of five native species, each having at least 250 fish sampled. The exotic fish were dominated by a single species, Eastern Gambusia, and this was the most common fish in the Maribyrnong. Exotic fish compete with native fish for available food and habitat, and injure or predate on native fish. Four of the native fish found are migratory, using the downstream estuaries or ocean as well as freshwater habitats at different life stages. The existence of weirs, fords and dam walls can prevent migratory fish from accessing upstream habitat. Melbourne Water has constructed five fishways in the Maribyrnong system at existing barriers, including three within Brimbank Park. The fishways allow fish to travel past the barriers, and further fishways are being planned. The most common fish species in the Maribyrnong are:

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Fish

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Eastern Gambusia

Common Galaxia

Flat-headed Gudgeon

Australian Smelt

Gambusia holbrooki

Galaxias maculatus

Philypnodon grandiceps

Retropinna semoni

Other name: Mosquito Fish

Other name: Common Jolly Tail

Size: up to 12cm (commonly 8cm)

Size: up to 6cm

Size: up to 19cm

This native fish made up almost 15% of fish sampled and was most common in the main channel of the Maribyrnong and the lower part of Deep Creek. It is a small dark fish with irregular colouring and markings. It has a distinctive broad head with a wide mouth and eyes near the top of its head. It prefers still or slow-flowing water, areas with aquatic plants and muddy bottoms.

Size: males 3.5cm, females 6cm

These small pale olive-green/ grey fish are native to north and central American rivers, which drain into the Gulf of Mexico. They are believed to have been introduced into Australia in the 1920s. They feed on rotting debris, insect larvae and pupae, fish eggs and fry. This is the most common fish in the Maribyrnong and made up almost one-third of all fish in a 2005 survey, and was found at half of the sites sampled. The species is known to harass and compete with small native fish and the young of larger native fish.

This migratory fish made up almost a quarter of fish sampled in the Maribyrnong. Adults move downstream to estuaries to spawn and young spend the first six months at sea. When they return to freshwater streams, they are part of large spring whitebait migrations. Their diet consists primarily of terrestrial insects deposited onto the water surface, with aquatic insects and crustaceans also consumed. They are a long olive-grey fish with variable mottling on their sides.

These small, slender, silvery fish were the fourth most common fish in 2005 surveys, making up almost 15% of the number caught. They are most common in the Maribyrnong River up to Keilor and in Jacksons Creek around Bulla. They prefer slow-flowing areas and can sometimes be seen shoaling near the surface or around plants or woody debris. They spawn in spring when each female lays up to 200 transparent and highly adhesive eggs on aquatic vegetation. These fish eat insects and algae and are often eaten by larger fish in the Maribyrnong.



Fish

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Southern Pygmy Perch

Short-finned Eel

Freshwater Shrimp

Scuds

Nannoperca australis

Anguilla australis

Atyidae

Amphipods

Size: up to 8.5cm

Size: males up to 60cm, females up to 90cm

Size: up to 4cm

Size: up to 2.5cm

Freshwater shrimp are translucent and can be mottled with blues, greens and darker markings. The front two pairs of legs of the shrimp bear distinct brushes. Freshwater shrimp occur in the slowerflowing (lowland) rivers and in ponds and billabongs. They feed mainly on sediment, fine decomposing vegetation, bacteria and algal particles.

Scuds are small crustaceans. They have seven pairs of walking legs and three feathery swimming limbs. Amphipods feed on plants and animals, using a wide range of methods including shredding, filter feeding and grazing. They are usually green, but can be other colours, including orange. Ceinidae live among aquatic vegetation in still to slowmoving water. Another amphipod, the Paracalliopiidae, is abundant in the middle reaches of the Maribyrnong River.

These small fish are food for larger animals such as tortoises, birds, other fish and frogs. They are usually pale golden with greenish-brown mottling and a silver belly. Their diet consists of small crustaceans, insects and their larvae. They can live up to five years and inhabit the vegetated edges of streams, billabongs and drains, preferring still or gently flowing water. They made up about 1 in 20 fish sampled in the 2005 survey, and were most common in Deep Creek.

These native migratory fish have a long snake-like body and an even golden to olive-green colour. They are active at night and eat crustaceans, insects, yabbies, fish and frogs. All short-finned eels migrate and breed at one site in the Coral Sea near New Caledonia. They spawn at depths of more than 300m before soon dying. The newly hatched young drift back to coastal areas on ocean currents. Short-finned eels should be widespread and abundant, but made up about 5% of fish sampled. It is suspected that a disease that afflicted short- finned eels throughout Victoria in early 2005 was detrimental to the species.

Birds The Maribyrnong River is home to a diverse population of native and migratory bird species. There is a varying range of species, with waterbirds making up large numbers. An extensive revegetation program along the river’s length has been successful in retaining and recreating habitat that is essential in providing food and shelter for a vast amount of Victorian birds as well as those making the trek from countries such as Japan, China and Korea. Some of the waterbirds that are frequent visitors to the Maribyrnong River and its surrounding environment include such species as Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Straw-necked Ibis, Purple Swamphen and Masked Lapwing. Although waterbirds are prominent along the length of the river, many other familiar bird species can be found feeding on the plants and chasing the insects that form part of the Maribyrnong ecology. At least 100 bird species inhabit this environment during different times of the year.



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Birds

Pacific Black Duck

Masked Lapwing

Anas superciliosa

Vanellus miles

Size: up to 60cm

This duck has a dark body and head with two characteristic cream stripes across each sides of its head. In flight, it shows a green speculum (panel) and pale underwing. This sociable duck is found throughout Australia and the Pacific. It feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, worms and snails and nests in hollow trees, long grass or reeds. It can interbreed with the introduced mallard duck and the hybrid offspring have orange-brown legs and feet.

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White-plumed Honeyeater

Purple Swamphen

Other name: Spurwing Plover

Lichenostomus penicillatus

Size: up to 48cm

Size: up to 19cm

Size: up to 35cm

The bird is olive-grey with a yellow head and black bill. It features a faint black line before its white neck plume. Its voice is recognisable by the ‘chick-owee’, ‘chick-abiddy’ sound. It lives in open forests and woodlands, particularly red gums on watercourses.

The purple swamphen has a bright red bill and frontal shield, purple chest and black head and back. It is a common and widespread bird in swamps and marshy paddocks. It feeds on soft shoots of reeds, frog, snails, eggs and ducklings and builds a hidden nest of reeds. All family members share in the incubation of young. Its voice is a harsh, screaming ‘hee-ow’ noise.

This bird has a brown back, white chest and characteristic yellow facial wattles. It is a bit smaller than the Australian magpie. It prefers grasslands, mudflats and wetlands and feeds on insects, seeds and grubs. It nests in a scrape in the ground from July onwards and is recognisable by its Kerr-kick-ki-ki-ki call.

Porphyrio porphyrio



Birds

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Nankeen Night Heron

Red-browed Finch

Willie Wagtail

Red Wattlebird

Nycticorax caledonicus

Neochmia temporalis

Rhipidura leucophrys

Anthochaera carnunculata

Other name: Rufous Night Heron

Other name: Red-browed Firetails

Size: up to 22cm

Size: up to 36cm

Size: up to 64cm

Size: up to 12cm

The nankeen night heron is a stocky bird with a rich cinnamon-coloured upper body and cream underparts. The top of its head is black and it has short, yellow legs and feet. During breeding, the back of its head bears three white, long, trailing feathers. Young birds are heavily spotted and streaked white, brown and orange-brown. Nankeen night herons feed at night in shallow water on insects, crustaceans, fish and frogs and breed throughout the year, depending on food availability. They roost in trees close to the water. Breeding takes place in colonies, often together with egrets and cormorants. The nest is a loose stick platform over water. Both sexes incubate the eggs.

The red-browed finch is green and grey but most easily recognised by its bright red eyebrow, rump and beak. It is often observed in small flocks, which feed on the grass and fly into dense undergrowth when disturbed. Red-browed finches feed on seeds and insects on the ground, but sometimes perch on seeding grass heads. Their preference for open grassy areas surrounded by dense shrubbery enables them to survive well in weedy areas along railway tracks and creek lines, where seeding grasses escape the lawnmower.

The willie wagtail is the largest and best known Australian fantail. The plumage is black above with a white belly. Willie wagtails are distinguished from other similar-sized black and white birds by its black throat and white eyebrows and whisker marks. They are found in most open habitats, especially open forests and woodlands, are often associated with watercourses and wetlands and are common around human habitation. Willie wagtails are active feeders and can be seen darting around lawns as they hunt for insects on the ground. As they do so, their tails wag from side to side. Insects are also captured in the air.

The red wattlebird is a large, noisy honeyeater. The common name refers to the fleshy reddish wattle on the side of the neck. The plumage is grey-brown on the body, with prominent white streaks and yellow on the belly. The face is pale and the tail is long with a white tip. The red wattlebird feeds on nectar, which it obtains by probing flowers with its thin curved bill. Some insects are also eaten, taken from foliage or caught in mid-air. Berries and the honeydew produced by some insects add to the bird’s diet.



Birds

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Crimson Rosella

Chestnut Teal

Red-rumped Parrot

Dusky Woodswallow

Platycercus elegans

Anas castanea

Psephotus haematonotus

Artamus cyanopterus

Size: up to 36cm

Size: up to 50cm (commonly 42cm)

Size: up to 27cm

Size: up to 18cm

Red-rumped parrots are medium-sized, slender parrots. The adult male is bright green, with a blue-green head, a red rump, and yellow shoulders and belly. The female is a duller, olive-green, with a green rump and faint yellow or light green scales on the belly. Young birds of both sexes are duller in colour. The red-rumped parrot is found in open grasslands or lightly timbered plains, as well as along watercourses and in mallee farmlands with access to water. It feeds in pairs or small flocks on the ground, preferring seeds and leaves of grasses. It also will feed on seeds, fruits and flowers in trees and is often seen feeding in suburban parks around Melbourne.

Up to 100 dusky woodswallows may form a tight swarm on a tree branch as they settled down for the night. They do this by clinging to the shoulders and wings of the bird below. Sometimes you can see them huddling together like this on a chilly day. These summer migrants return each year to breed.

The crimson rosella has mostly crimson (red) plumage and bright blue cheeks. The feathers of the back and wing coverts are black, broadly edged with red. The flight feathers of the wings have broad blue edges and the tail is blue above and pale blue below and on the outer feathers. Young crimson rosellas have the characteristic blue cheeks, but the rest of the body plumage is green-olive to yellowish olive (occasionally red in some areas). Crimson rosellas are normally encountered in small flocks and are easily attracted to garden seed trays. Once familiar with humans, they will accept hand-held food. Natural foods include seeds of eucalypts, grasses and shrubs, as well as insects and some tree blossoms.

The chestnut teal is a small dabbling duck with a high forehead and rounded head. Males are distinctive, having a glossy green head, chestnut brown neck, breast and flanks, dark brown upper body and wings, and a black undertail with contrasting white patch. Females are mottled dark brown and grey, with a pale throat streaked brown and a dark eye stripe. In both sexes the eye is a deep red, the bill is blue-grey and the legs and feet are green-grey. The wings have a dark glossy green to purple speculum (panel) edged white and the underwing is brown, with white wing pits.

Frogs About 12 species of frogs and toads have been recorded in the region that includes the Maribyrnong River, each with their own distinctive calls and characteristics and more likely to be heard than seen. If you’re quiet when approaching, a variety of species can be encountered while close to the Maribyrnong River and its wetland areas. Two species – the Growling Grass Frog and Bibron’s Toadlet – have been classed as threatened and/or vulnerable because of degraded habitats the prolonged drought and threats of fungal diseases. Various community groups and schools are involved in restoring frog habitat, however we all need to participate. The easiest way to help frogs survive is to avoid pouring soaps, detergents and chemicals into sinks and drains. Frogs are extremely sensitive to toxins.



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Frogs

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Growling Grass Frog

Bibron’s Toadlet

Common Froglet

Southern Toadlet

Litoria raniformis

Pseudophryne bibronii

Crinia signifera

Other names: Southern Bell Frog or Warty Bell Frog Native

Other names: Southern Bullfrog or Eastern Banjo Frog

Other name: Common Eastern Froglet

Pseudophryne semimarmorata

Size: up to 9cm

Size: up to 3cm

These large frogs with long back legs are easily recognised by their green and gold colour and scattered warts over their skin. Feeding mainly on terrestrial invertebrates such as beetles, termites, cockroaches, moths, butterflies and various insect larvae, growling grass frogs breed from August until April. Their call is a growling ‘waaah waaah waaah’. They are found scattered throughout the Maribyrnong River, mainly concentrated in the middle reaches.

These small frogs have short legs and numerous large warts on their back. In the Melbourne area, bibron’s toadlet is limited to the northern and western suburbs and to the west of Port Phillip Bay. It has been found in the middle and upper reaches of the Maribyrnong River and its upper tributaries. Numbers have declined over the past decade, and the frog has now disappeared from or is rare in areas where it was once common.

Size: 2cm

The colour and pattern on the common froglet is extremely variable. At one extreme, the back is smooth and uniformly brown; at the other, longitudinal ridges are present with alternating light and dark brown bands, or even shades of green or red. The common froglet breeds from April to December, and its mating call can create a deafening chorus. After rain, breeding occurs in still waterbodies or slow-flowing creeks. It is common throughout the Maribyrnong catchment, especially in central and southern areas.

Size: up to 3cm

The southern toadlet is very similar in size, ecology and behaviour to bibron’s toadlet, yet has a more restricted distribution. The Southern Toadlet is small, with short legs and has numerous large warts on its back. It is bright orange under the limbs and throat. The southern toadlet is a terrestrial species, found in open forest, woodlands, grasslands and heaths, wherever sufficient damp soil and cover is present. Its breeding season extends through late summer to autumn. Listed as vulnerable in Victoria, the southern toadlet has been recorded several times in the upper Maribyrnong catchment.



Frogs

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Spotted Marsh Frog

Brown Tree Frog

Pobblebonk

Striped Marsh Frog

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

Litoria wingier

Limnodynastes dumerilii

Limnodynastes peroni

Size: 4cm

Other names: Ewing’s Tree Frog or Southern Brown Tree Frog

Other name: Southern Bullfrog or Eastern Banjo Frog

Size: up to 7Cm

Size: up to 5cm

Size: up to 8cm

This medium-sized frog usually has a dark to light brown back, white underside and the back of its thighs range from yellow to a deep red. The brown tree frog calls from and breeds in farm dams, ponds, creeks and waterholes. It tends not to be associated with fast-moving water. It is common throughout the Maribyrnong catchment, although most recent records are from the northern part of the catchment.

The pobblebonk is a medium to large frog. Two sub-species occur around Melbourne: one to the north and west of Melbourne (L. dumerilii dumerilii) has a relatively uniform dark brown back. The other, to the east and south of Melbourne (L. dumerilii insularis), has a pale stripe running down its back and more variable colour. Males call from August to April and may migrate up to one kilometre to reach breeding sites. Large numbers of pobblebonk may be apparent following rain.

This medium-sized frog has a pale back, broken up by numerous clearly defined spots ranging from brown to green, and its underneath is smooth and white. It is highly adaptable and often forms large breeding aggregations, with vocal male choruses. Males call while floating in water, usually among aquatic vegetation, from August until May. It is most common in the central and southern parts of the Maribyrnong catchment.

A large wetland-dwelling frog and voracious hunter, this frog eats almost any animal smaller than itself, including small frogs. Its distribution extends along the east coast from Queensland to South Australia. It is most commonly associated with wetlands and permanent water and shelters among reeds and other debris.

Mammals A great variety of mammal species are common to Maribyrnong River and its local environment. The mammals known to inhabit the area include 10 species of bat, platypus, koalas, sugar gliders and even the Short-beaked Echidna. One of the more interesting mammals in the area is the Black Wallaby. With an ample water supply and the restoration/revegetation of its natural habitat, the shy Black Wallaby grazes on coarse shrubs, bushes and grasses. Kangaroos and wombats can also be found along the Maribyrnong River, feeding on grasses. The Common Wombat also enjoys munching on bark and fungi whereas kangaroos like to chew on leaves as part of their narrow diet. Other native mammals recorded in the area include Brushtail and Ringtail Possums, Water Rats and a variety of pest species. Animals such as foxes, rabbits and domestic cats are widespread across much of Victoria and wreak havoc on our indigenous wildlife.



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Mammals

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Wombat

Short-beaked Echidna

Platypus

Rakali or Water Rat

Vombatus ursinus hirsutus

Tachyglossus aculeatus

Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Hydromys chrysogaster

Size: up to 1.2m, weight up to 35 kg

Size: up to 45cm

Size: up to 60cm

Size: up to 30cm

These curious egg-laying mammals live a solitary life with no fixed address and very few requirements other than ants or termites to eat, and a log or bush in which to shelter. When in danger they dig down, baring an uninviting wall of quills to the enemy. Echidnas are ‘true-blue’ Australians and should not be confused with porcupines or hedgehogs, neither of which occurs naturally in this country. Once the young echidnas grow spines, their mums eject them from the pouch (who would blame them!).

This top predator is found in rivers and streams across much of eastern Australia, including the Maribyrnong River. It feeds on a wide range of benthic (or bottom-dwelling) macroinvertebrates, along with yabbies, worms, shrimp and small shellfish. Platypus surveys have only been carried out in the middle reaches of the Maribyrnong River, where they were found to be present in low densities. This unique monotreme is a valuable indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems.

This native mammal is highly adapted to aquatic life. Its upper parts vary from grey-brown to rich golden brown to blackish. Underneath it is cream to golden-orange. Water rats have a distinguishing broad white tip on the end of their tail. Widespread and common in much of coastal Australia, they have been recorded in the Upper Maribyrnong catchment. Most active at night, they hunt prey such as fish and frogs in the water before bringing them onto land to eat.

The common wombat is the largest burrowing herbivorous mammal. Indeed, it is such an accomplished burrower that early settlers called it a ‘badger’, a term that is still heard today. However, the closest relative of the wombat is the koala. With its short tail and legs, characteristic waddle and ‘cuddly’ appearance, the wombat is one of the most endearing of Australia’s native animals. It is a fairly large, solidly built animal with a squat, round, bear like body, small ears and eyes, and a large naked nose. Its thick, coarse fur varies from sandy brown to grey and black, and is sometimes flecked with fawn. Wombats usually come out at night to graze when temperatures are lower.



Mammals

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Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Black Wallaby

Grey-headed Flying Fox

European Red Fox

Macropus giganteus

Wallabia bicolor

Pteropus poliocephalus

Vulpes Vulpes

Other names: Great Grey Kangaroo or Forester

Other name: Swamp Wallaby or Black-tailed Wallaby

Size: body up to 29cm

Size: head and body 46-86cm, tail 30-55cm

Size: about 1.4m tall when standing

Size: up to 76cm

These kangaroos have grey-brown upper parts with pale grey or white underneath. The males (weighing up to 66kg) are twice the weight of females (weighing up to 37kg) and are more heavily developed in the chest and forearms. They are widespread and common throughout eastern Australia, including along sections of the Maribyrnong River. The eastern greys are most active at dusk and dawn and gather in large mobs where food is abundant. Breeding is continuous when water is available, although most young are born from March to May.

This wallaby is dark and stocky with coarse fur. Across its back it is dark grey or blackish, with flecks of grey, yellow and orange. Its underparts are pale yellow or orange. They are common along the entire east coast and are found in a wide range of habitats including in the Maribyrnong catchment. They are more active during the days than most other kangaroos and wallabies and are solitary and shy. They feed on foliage of shrubs, ferns, sedges and some grasses. Their breeding is continuous when water is available, although most births in Victoria are during winter.

The grey-headed flying fox is the largest Australian bat, with a wingspan to 1m. They are nocturnal, seeking out sources of fruit, pollen and nectar at night. During the day they roost, hanging upside down in the canopy of trees, often in quite large numbers. They have long grey body fur, with a collar of golden-orange fur. They are found throughout eastern coastal Australia, including in the Maribyrnong catchment. A largely migratory species, they shift in response to changing food resources, although a permanent breeding colony has been present in Melbourne since the 1980s.

The European red fox was introduced to Australia for recreational hunting in 1855 and fox populations became established in the wild in the early 1870s. During the day, the fox sleeps in dens, logs and other shelter – it is mainly active at night. The fox eats almost anything, scavenging and preying on whatever is available. Its main food source is small animals, but it also eats insects and fruit, particularly in summer when preferred prey is less abundant. Both males and females are sexually mature at the age of one year. Litters, averaging four cubs, are born during August and September, and emerge from the den in late spring.

Reptiles About 20 reptile species are known to inhabit the Maribyrnong River and surrounding areas, with skinks making up a large proportion of that number. Other reptiles are dragons, snakes, geckos, blue-tongue and legless lizards, and the Common Long-necked Turtle. About four species of snakes are known to inhabit the area including the Eastern Brown Snake, Lowland Copperhead, Red-bellied Black Snake and the Tiger Snake. Although these snakes are highly venomous, they are protected species in Victoria and must not be caught or killed. Generally speaking, snakes need not be feared and are more likely to flee should they sense danger or human approach.



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Reptiles

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Eastern Long-necked Turtle

Tiger Snake

Eastern Brown Snake

Copperhead Snake

Notec his scrutators

Pseudonaja textilis

Austrelaps superbus

Celodina longicollis

Size: up to 1.7m commonly 1.2m

Other name: Common brown snake

Size: up to 1.6m commonly 1.2m

These snakes are highly venomous and have a reputation for being aggressive. If threatened they are often forced to defend themselves because they are slow moving and can’t escape quickly. Usually found on the ground near water, they can hunt up in trees as well. Mating sometimes takes place in two bursts – first in spring and again in autumn when the females store the sperm ready for use the following spring. Tiger snakes are active during the day with a diet that includes frogs, lizards, birds and mammals. They are widespread in southern Australia, favouring cool moist areas such as swamp edges and creek banks including the Maribyrnong catchment.

Size: up to 1.5m

Copperheads vary in colour, but can be distinguished by pale areas on the side of the face. Copperheads can be active in cool weather and will commonly hunt at night as well. Although venomous they are not aggressive snakes and will strike only if cornered. Preferring damp areas, these reptiles are usually seen in grass tussocks, rotting logs and tree roots.

Other names: Common Long-necked Tortoise and Snake-necked turtle Size: upper shell length of up to 25cm

The eastern long-necked turtle belongs to a group of turtles that fold their head sideways under the edge of their shell rather than pulling their head directly backwards into their shell. It is thought that they can live for more than 35 years. This turtle is the most common and widespread in Australia. However, it did not naturally occur in the Melbourne region. In the 1950s and 1960s this turtle was very popular as a pet and large numbers were imported from the Gippsland Lakes. Melbourne populations are thought to have started from released pets.

The eastern brown snake’s colour is variable, ranging from shades of brown to almost black. It is widespread throughout dry parts of eastern Australia, including the Maribyrnong catchment. Land clearing has apparently been beneficial to this species as numbers appear to have increased. It is extremely swift, alert, nervous and quick to retaliate if provoked. Their diet is a variety of vertebrates, particularly reptiles and mammals. The species is regarded as dangerously venomous.



Reptiles

Eastern Blue Tongue

Marbled Gecko

Tiliqua scincoides scincoidesi

Christinus marmoratus

Other name: Common blue tongue Size: up to 56cm

This lizard’s colour is highly variable, but usually includes pale bands between its nape (back of neck) and hips and bands on its tail. In spite of their slow movement and large size, it continues to thrive in urban areas. It is active during the day, sheltering under logs, in thick low vegetation and burrows. It feeds on fruits, flowers, foliage, arthropods, snails, eggs and small vertebrates. It is found in virtually all habitats throughout eastern Australia, including the Maribyrnong catchment.

Size: up to 10cm

This gecko is coloured pale to dark grey or pinkish brown with dark lines forming irregular marbling, it sometimes has irregular pale grey blotches. It shelters beneath loose bark and rock but has also been known to enter houses. Geckos feed mainly on arthropods such as insects, spiders and scorpions.

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Bugs and Insects More than 60 species of aquatic insects are found in the Maribyrnong River. Some of the most common types are described below. There is a large variety of aquatic insects. Different types are suited to different environments, such as fast-flowing water or still pools, a mud stream bottom or stones, different water temperatures and different water chemistry. The nature of the Maribyrnong gradually changes along its length from a small headwater stream through a lowland river to an estuary where it meets the sea. As it changes, the types of aquatic insects also change to those best suited to the environment. For example, shredders are mainly found upstream where most leaf litter falls. These are patterns that are common to many river systems. The aquatic insects that can be found in the Maribyrnong River are also influenced by the geology of the region which affects water chemistry and stream bed material, irregular flows and by changes to land use along its length. The greatest threats to aquatic insect diversity are the irregular flow regime and stormwater pollution. Flow can almost cease in some parts of the Maribyrnong over summer due to low rainfall and irrigators pumping from the river, while great scouring flows can be delivered to the river from urban areas during storms.



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Bugs and Insects



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Diving Beetle

Elmid Beetle

Mayfly

Dytiscidae

Elmidae

Baetidae

Introduced Freshwater Snail

Size: up to 3.5cm

Size: up to 6mm

Size: 10mm

Physa acuta

Adult diving beetles can be recognised by their streamlined shape and thin antennae. Their hind legs have paddle-like appendages called tarsi, which have a dense fringe of hairs. Diving beetles are one of the most diverse groups of aquatic beetles, with 226 species recorded in Australia. They are most likely to be found in ponds, lakes, billabongs, dams and slow-flowing rivers. Adults often fly from one habitat to another. Both adult and larvae eat a variety of other invertebrates and will sometimes attack small fish and tadpoles.

Elmid or riffle beetles are small and dark and have long legs in relation to their body. Elmid beetles are usually found in well-oxygenated streams on submerged wood or on rocks in riffles. Their diet is decaying vegetation and algae. Both larvae and adult beetles cannot swim and so crawl along submerged objects. Adults breathe oxygen dissolved in the water around them.

These mayflies are small to medium-sized with mottled colouring and rounded bodies and heads, which feature a pair of long antennae. They are strong swimmers and move with rapid wiggles of their abdomen. The Baetidae is a diverse family with worldwide distribution, including the Maribyrnong River system. Baetids are more diverse in cooler, flowing waters, but species do occur in warmer lowland systems and occasionally in wetlands. They feed mainly on algae grazed from a variety of substrates such as rocks, wood and aquatic plants.

Size: up to 3cm

This snail is found throughout the Maribyrnong River. It has a mottled mantle that is usually visible through its shell and a fleshy digitate margin (a fleshy finger-like process under the edge of its shell). It lives in a diverse range of aquatic habitats, mostly in slow-moving waters, and grazes on algae. These snails are capable of self-fertilisation and reproduce at least once a year.

Plants More than 290 species of flora can be found within 50 metres of the Maribyrnong River. Plants play an important part in maintaining the vast ecology of the river and its surrounds. Trees provide homes and nesting places for birds and some mammals while also providing an important food source. Some of the parks such as Footscray Park, Maribyrnong Park and nearby reserves have been planted out with exotic trees, while at Brimbank Park the native grasses can be seen along the river. Upstream, the rich river flats on the east bank were used for market gardening until 1983. Here are some of the plants you may be able to see in the area:



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Plants

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River Red Gum

Manna Gum

Blackwood

Sweet Bursaria

Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Eucalyptus viminalis

Acacia melanoxylon

Bursaria spinosa

Size: up to 45m

Size: up to 30m

Size: up to 3m

Size: up to 8m

River red gums are the monarchs of our changing landscape. Silent witnesses to many comings and goings, these giants are home to many living things, both resident and nomad alike. Even when dead, as logs on the ground, they continue to provide shelter and homes for many plants and animals. Old age for a red gum starts somewhere around 300-400 years. Their thick trunks, spreading crowns and gnarled branches create a grand and graceful character… as well as nesting hollows for wildlife.

This tall and spreading forest or woodland tree has long, narrow, fragrant leaves and sheds its bark in long ribbons, revealing cream or white bark. Its cream flowers are mostly seen in summer and it provides many hollows for nesting birds and marsupials. It grows along watercourses and on moist well drained soils.

The furrows and cracks in blackwood trunks provide homes for insects and spiders, which hide under the bark and burrow into the wood. This long-lived wattle has dense foliage, creamy lemon winter/ spring flowers and dark, heavy wood. A lot of fine Australian furniture has been made from its timber. Blackwoods are excellent habitat for wildlife and beautiful to look at!

Flowering time transforms this scraggly plant into a splendid highlight of the dry summer landscape. The sweetly scented, cream flowers develop into small brown seed vessels that rattle in the wind. Being thorny, bursarias offer safe refuge for small birds. This humble plant rose to instant fame in 1987 when it was found to provide the exclusive home of the extremely rare Eltham copper butterfly.



Plants

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Silver Wattle

Black Wattle

Tree Violet

River Bottlebrush

Acacia dealbata

Acacia mearnsii

Melicytus dentacus

Callistemon sieberi

Size: up to 20m

Size: up to 15m

Size: up to 4m

Size: up to 7cm

In August and September the yellow blossoms of this tree light up the environment surrounding the river. It has grey-green leaves and was given its name because of silver patches on the bark of mature trees. It is easily identified by its feathery foliage and abundant early flowers.

People appreciate these wattles for their bright yellow flowers and delicate, feathery foliage. But to birds and other creatures, they are well-stocked bush pantries. Some 350 kinds of insects were found in one old tree. Sugar gliders feed on gum exuded from the bark and black cockatoos rip open the trunks in search of insects. They flower in spring and early summer. These wattles grow very fast and are often used to control soil erosion.

This shrub is a favourite haunt for little birds who like to eat the pretty bluish berries. It grows along the river and creek banks. The tree violet’s sweet perfume may beckon you to sniff at its many tiny bell-shaped flowers. But beware, the branches are armed with sharp thorns!

Now far less common than before European settlement, river bottlebrush have fairly stiff sharp-pointed leaves. By contrast, new leaves are reddish, soft, silky and lovely to touch. Look for them along the riverbanks where some very old, spreading examples can be found.



Glossary

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Australian Smelt

27

Southern Pygmy Perch

28

Bibron’s Toadlet

40

Southern Toadlet

41

Black Wallaby

48

Spotted Marsh Frog

42

Black Wattle

64

Striped Marsh Frog

43

Blackwood

63

Sweet Bursaria

63

Brown Tree Frog

42

Tiger Snake

52

Chestnut Teal

36

Tree Violet

65

Common Froglet

41

White-plumed Honeyeater

33

Common Galaxia

26

Willie Wagtail

35

Copperhead Snake

53

Wombat

46

Crimson Rosella

36

Diving Beetle

58

Dusky Woodswallow

37

Eastern Blue Tongue

54

Eastern Brown Snake

53

Eastern Gambusia

26

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

48

Eastern Long-necked Turtle

52

Elmid Beetle

58

European Red Fox

49

Flat-headed Gudgeon

27

Freshwater Shrimp

29

Grey-headed Flying Fox

49

Growling Grass Frog

40

Introduced Freshwater Snail

59

Manna Gum

62

Marbled Gecko

54

Masked Lapwing

32

Mayfly

59

Nankeen Night Heron

34

Pacific Black Duck

32

Platypus

47

Pobblebonk

43

Purple Swamphen

33

Rakali or Water Rat

47

Red Wattlebird

35

Red-browed Finch

34

Red-rumped Parrot

37

River Bottlebrush

65

River Red Gum

62

Scuds

29

Short-beaked Echidna

46

Short-finned Eel

28

Silver Wattle

64

Bibliography and References



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Birds

Mammals

Simpson, K. & Day, N. (1998) The Claremont Field Guide to the Birds of Australia, Penguin Books Australia, Australia

Menkhorst, P. & Knight, F. (2004) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, 2nd Ed, Oxford University Press, Melbourne

Australian Museum, Birds in Backyards, (2007) www.birdsinbackyards.net

Mitrovski, P. (2008) Platypus surveys in waterways of the newly extended boundaries of Melbourne Water, A report for Melbourne Water, CESAR Consultants Pty Ltd, Greensborough, VIC.

Bugs Gooderham, John & Tsyrlin, Edward (2002) The Waterbug Book, CSIRO Publishing, Australia

Serena, M. & Williams, G.A. (2008) Distribution and Management of Platypus in the Greater Melbourne Region, Report for Melbourne Water, Australian Platypus Conservancy

Fish

Reptiles

Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H., & Allen, M. (2003) Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia, Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, New Holland, Australia

McGuckin, J. (2005) A fish survey of the Upper Maribyrnong River Basin, A report for Melbourne Water, Streamline Research Pty. Ltd. Frogs Brown, G.W. and Smith, M.J. (2007) Frogs of the Upper Maribyrnong River Catchment – status and distribution, A report for Melbourne Water, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heidelberg, Victoria History Maribyrnong City Council, Melbourne, Victoria, (2009), www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Keilor Historical Society, (2009) home.vicnet.net.au/~khis/

Bibliography and References

Photography Credits Eastern Gambusia – P.Ovenden (Australia Museum) Common Galaxia – Gunther Schmida (MDBA) Flat-headed Gudgeon – Gunther Schmida (MDBA) Australian Smelt – www.mdbc.gov.au Southern Pygmy Perch – Neil Armstrong Short-finned Eel – Neil Armstrong Freshwater Shrimp – John Gooderham & Edward Tsyrlin Scuds – John Gooderham & Edward Tsyrlin Pacific Black Duck – www.istockphoto.com Masked Lapwing – Graeme Chapman White-plumed Honeyeater – Tom Tarrant (www.aviceda.org) Purple Swamphen – Tom Tarrant (www.aviceda.org) Nankeen Night Heron – Tom Tarrant (www.aviceda.org) Red-browed Finch – Graeme Chapman Willie Wagtail – Graeme Chapman Red Wattlebird – Graeme Chapman Crimson Rosella – Brian Nichols Chestnut Teal – Graeme Chapman Red-rumped Parrot – Peter Merritt Dusky Woodswallow – Peter Merritt Growling Grass Frog – Peter Robertson Bibron’s Toadlet – Parks Victoria Common Froglet – www.mdbc.gov.au Southern Toadlet – Jason Edwards Spotted Marsh Frog – Brian Nichols Brown Tree Frog – Jason Edwards Pobblebonk – Noel Butcher Striped Marsh Frog – Dr. Kerry Kriger – (www.savethefrogs.com) Wombat – Healesville Sanctuary Short-beaked Echidna – Yiri Lochman (Australian Geographic) Platypus – Healesville Sanctuary Rakali or Water Rat – Peter Merritt Eastern Grey Kangaroo – Tourism Victoria – James Lauritz Black Wallaby – Peter Merritt Grey-headed Flying Fox – Graeme McConnell (Australian Geographic) European Red Fox – CSIRO Science Image Eastern Long-necked Turtle – Bio Images Copperhead Snake – Greg Child (Australian Geographic) Marbled Gecko Yiri Lochman – (Australian Geographic) Diving Beetle – www.bugsurvey.nsw.gov.au Elmid Beetle – John Gooderham & Edward Tsyrlin Mayfly – Bio Images Introduced Freshwater Snail – Greg Woodward MCMA River Red Gum – Andrew Gregory (Australian Geographic)



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Manna Gum – Brian Bainbridge MCMA Blackwood – Viridans Images Sweet Bursaria – Viridans Images Silver Wattle – Viridans Images Black Wattle – Viridans Images Tree Violet – Viridans Images River Bottlebrush – Viridans Images

Melbourne Water 100 Wellington Parade East Melbourne PO Box 4342 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Telephone 131 722 Facsimile 03 9235 7200 melbournewater.com.au ISBN: 978-1-921603-20-4 (Print) ISBN: 978-1-921603-21-1 (Web) © Copyright 2009 Melbourne Water Corporation All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, photocopied or otherwise dealt with without the prior written permission of Melbourne Water Corporation. Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but Melbourne Water and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Acknowledgements Melbourne Water would like to thank Brisbane City Council for allowing us to base this publication on the concept and format of its Know your Creek booklets.