Where is the proposed ephmeral wetland?

The Friends of Kororoit Creek (FOKC) have identified the Killeen Street Reserve in Sunshine West as a perfect location for an ephemeral wetland, based on its location on Kororoit Creek, large size, drainage slope, connection to other nearby green areas, and existing storm-water infrastructure.

What do you mean by ephemeral wetland?

“Ephemeral wetlands are highly dynamic ecosystems with rising and falling water levels creating feeding and breeding opportunities for a diverse variety of fauna. Periods of drying limit the ability of fish to establish and therefore create ideal breeding habitats for frogs and invertebrates with the reduced competition and predation. The native vegetation within ephemeral wetlands tends to be tolerant of flooding and drying, although aquatic plants that flourish in wetter periods die off without water with some species surviving in the seed bank until water returns.” (Land for Wildlife)

How will the wetland affect the look of the area?

The proposed wetland will see a series of shallow pools installed down the embankment, providing areas where storm-water can settle, be filtered by wetland plants and then drain into the beautiful Kororoit Creek, making our creek happy and healthy and beautiful for human visitors. We hope the wetland will increase the biodiversity (the range of animals and plants) and attract native water-birds, fish, frogs, insects and small mammals.

Why is a wetland a good idea?

Currently there are no natural wetlands on the Kororoit Creek. Wetlands attract a wide range of animals, insects and support plant species that will enhance the Creek ecosystem. Wetlands also intercept and treat stormwater runoff, removing pollutants through physical, chemical, and biological processes, before it reaches the Creek.

Will there be more snakes and mozzies?

The wetland will attract frogs and other reptiles and bird species which will help keep mozzie populations under control. Snakes are already living happily in the creek ecosystem, helping to maintain a happy balance, and are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked.

What about flooding?

The wetland will naturally drain into the creek. The Killeen Street Reserve is in area that has been mapped as a ‘flood inundation zone’ – meaning that when the creek naturally floods, the area may be underwater. Wetlands can assist with flood recovery by absorbing water and acting as a catchment area for flood debris.

Alignment

The Wetland aligns with a number of policy and strategy documents from Brimbank Council and other groups, including:

• Waterways of the West Strategy and Action Plan

• Council’s Environmental Sustainability Framework

• Council’s Climate Emergency Plan

• Council’s Sustainable Water Management Strategy

• Council’s Physical Activity Strategy

• Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan

• Council's Biodiversity Strategy

How can you get involved?

We’d love your help and support. Get in touch with us here to see how you can get involved in this project that will benefit the creek and all those who live around it.

It could be as simple as making a phone call or writing a letter, or you could become a member and be part of our working group. Maybe you have knowledge of wetlands or know people in high places? Get in touch and join us.