Sites of Biodiversity Significance
- Introduction
- Andersons Creek East
- Boundary Road
- Boggy Creek
- Cardigan Road
- Cardinia Creek
- Cherry Lake
- Colchester Road
- Dunnetts Road Swamp
- Dwarf Galaxias Conservation Wetland
- Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands
- Fussell Road
- Galada Tambore
- Hallam Valley Floodplain
- Kayes and Imms Creeks
- Kororoit Creek
- Little Boggy Creek
Yering Backswamp, Christmas Hills - located on a river terrace adjacent to the Yarra River.
Introduction
We own and manage 47 sites of biodiversity or biological significance. These are areas of land and water containing rare or threatened plants, animals or vegetation.
We have established the Sites of Biodiversity Significance Program to make sure that these important places are managed in an appropriate way. As part of this program we survey, develop and implement management plans to protect and improve biodiversity at these sites.
Ten of these sites lie within the Western Treatment Plant, including Ramsar-listed wetlands. The treatment plant supports highly significant biodiversity values and is one of the most important waterbird refuges in Victoria. Native grasslands, natural wetlands and some decommissioned ponds are managed as habitat to offset the potentially adverse effects of treatment upgrades and agriculture outsourcing.
We have started rehabilitating coastal saltmarsh, sedgelands and wetlands at the decommissioned Western Lagoon. The aim is to improve habitat for the critically endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot and other threatened species including the Altona Skipper Butterfly, Lewin’s Rail and the Growling Grass Frog. In addition, 1500 hectares of agricultural land at the treatment plant has been reserved for conservation.
Also see:
At our other Ramsar site, the Edithvale-Seaford wetlands, fox control is important to protect waterfowl, and non-lethal trapping of foxes has been trialled successfully.
Andersons Creek East Retarding Basin (Andersons Creek, Ringwood North)
Significance: Regional
Size: 4.4 hectares
Andersons Creek East Retarding Basin has two important ecological vegetation communities: Valley Grassy Forest and Creekline Herb-rich Woodland. All vegetation is mostly intact with a highly diverse ground layer, particularly at the interface of these two communities.
Boundary Road Wetland (Eel Race Drain, Carrum Downs)
Significance: TBA
Size: 32.6 hectares
The Boundary Road Wetland is a natural small remnant of the once extensive Carrum Carrum Swamp. It has geomorphological and biodiversity values including wetland vegetation and habitat for a diverse range of birds, including 13 threatened species. It also offers drought refuge potential for a range of birds. The conservation significance of this site has not yet been determined, but it is considered to be of at least state significance.
Boggy Creek Waterway Reserve (Boggy Creek, Langwarrin)
Significance: TBA
Size: 10.2 hectares
Boggy Creek Waterway Reserve supports high quality remnant native vegetation which is of very high conservation significance. It has two endangered ecological vegetation communities, including Swampy Riparian Woodland and Swamp Scrub and one vulnerable ecological vegetation community – Riparian Scrub.
Boggy Creek flows through the site providing good quality instream habitat. Both woodland and instream habitats provide a wildlife corridor.
Cardigan Road Retarding Basin (Brushy Creek, Mooroolbark)
Significance: Local
Size: 6.2 hectares
Cardigan Road Retarding Basin supports several important vegetation communities. The creek form is still intact and represents the only channel in the Upper Brushy Creek catchment which remains unmodified by drainage works.
Cardinia Creek Retarding Basin (Cardinia Creek, Beaconsfield)
Significance: Regional
Size: 42 hectares
The Cardinia Creek Retarding Basin supports a number of vegetation communities which are of very high conservation significance, including mature stands of Manna Gum Riparian Forest, Grassy Forest, Tall Marsh and Aquatic Herbfield communities, as well as a number of other regionally significant plants. The retarding basin also supports Dwarf Galaxias, a fish that is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). The site is also a key area for many important waterway and wildlife processes.
Cherry Lake (Laverton Creek, Altona)
Significance: State
Size: 176 hectares
Cherry Lake is a stormwater retarding basin which consists of a large, open water body and remnant vegetation throughout the site. Biodiversity values include vegetation communities which are of high conservation value and a diverse range of bird species. Sedgelands provide habitat for the endangered Altona Skipper Butterfly.
Colchester Road Retarding Basin (Bungalook Creek, Kilsyth)
Significance: Local
Size: 14.5 hectares
The site contains excellent examples of a number of endangered ecological vegetation communities, such as Swamp Scrub, Valley Heath Forest and Swampy Woodland, as well as an important wetland vegetation community – Wet Verge Sedgeland. The retarding basin also provides habitat for a large range of birds, including regionally significant water birds. It is the second in a series of three interlinked retarding basins that include Fussell Road and Canterbury Road Retarding Basins.
Dunnetts Road Swamp (Plenty River, Yan Yean)
Significance: State
Size: 0.8 hectares
Dunnetts Road Swamp lies adjacent to the Yan Yean reservoir on the floodplain of the Plenty River and is recognised as the most intact River Red Gum Marshland remaining in north-east Melbourne.
Dwarf Galaxias Conservation Wetland (Narre Warren)
Significance: National
Size: 0.5 hectares
This site is the refuge and breeding pond for the nationally endangered Dwarf Galaxias. The wetland is located beside a large retarding basin and stormwater treatment wetland. It was constructed in 2006 for the sole purpose of providing a refuge and breeding habitat for the fish. The wetland mimics a natural creek or billabong, with a number of deep pools connected by shallower areas.
Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands (Edithvale and Seaford)
Significance: International (Ramsar Convention)
Size: 101.2 (Edithvale)
Size: 111.2 hectares (Seaford)
These wetlands are the last remnant ecosystems of the once extensive Carrum Carrum Swamp that existed between Mordialloc and Frankston at the time of European settlement. In 2001 the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands were listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The wetlands support an abundance of birds, including migratory bird species protected under international treaties.
Fussell Road Retarding Basin (Bungalook Creek, Montrose)
Significance: Regional
Size: 20.5 hectares
Fussell Road is the first of a series of three interlinked retarding basins that include Colchester Road and Canterbury Road retarding basins. The site provides a critical flight corridor and habitat for the Powerful Owl, which is the largest owl in Australia, and plays an important role in flood mitigation. Three vegetation communities, including Herb-rich Foothills Forest, Swampy Riparian Woodland and Shrubby Gully Forest form a patchwork of remnant bushland at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Galada Tambore (Merri Creek, Campbellfield)
Significance: State
Size: 93 hectares
Galada Tambore has been identified as having regional faunal significance, state floral significance and state significance in regard to its archaeological and geomorphological features. The nationally significant Growling Grass Frog inhabits the area. The site also supports six important vegetation communities.
Hallam Valley Floodplain Wetland (Troups Creek, Hampton Park)
Significance: TBA
Size: 1.9 hectares
The Hallam Valley Wetlands include both a constructed and a natural wetland component, each with distinctly different plant species, ecological vegetation communities and hydrogeology. The large, constructed wetland treats stormwater, assists with flood mitigation and provides habitat. Biodiversity values include a large, intact area of Plains Grassy Wetland and habitat for a diversity of fauna including waterbirds (such as Latham’s Snipe), Swamp Skink and the nationally endangered Dwarf Galaxia.
Kayes and Imms Creeks Waterway Reserve (Kayes and Imms Creeks, Laverton North and Derrimut)
Significance: TBA
Size: 7.8 hectares (Kayes & Imms Creeks Waterway Reserve, Laverton North)
Size: 2.7 hectares (Kayes Creek Waterway Reserve, Windsor Boulevard, Derrimut)
Size: 2 hectares (Kayes Creek Waterway Reserve, Yeend Court, Derrimut)
These sites contain remnant Plains Grassland, a critically endangered vegetation community. Plains Grassland used to be widespread across the plains in the north and west of Melbourne but only limited areas now remain. Plains Grassland is protected by both federal and state legislation.
Kororoit Creek Escarpments (Kororoit Creek, St Albans and Deer Park)
Significance: Regional
Size: 30 hectares
This site includes six significant basaltic escarpment sites containing geomorphological, vegetation and wildlife habitat values. Vegetation of very high conservation significance is found on the site including Plains Grassy Woodland and Escarpment Woodland.
Little Boggy Creek Retarding Basin (Little Boggy Creek, Langwarrin)
Significance: Regional
Size: 6.6 hectares
This site supports floristic communities with high to very high regional conservation significance including Swampy Riparian Woodland, Damp Heathy Woodland, Riparian Scrub and Swamp Scrub. The Sword Grass Brown Butterfly is also present in the area.
Liverpool Road Retarding Basin (Dandenong Creek, The Basin)
Significance: Regional
Size: 16 hectares
This site is located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges at the headwaters of Dandenong Creek. The constructed wetland is designed for flood mitigation, stormwater treatment and habitat. It consists of one large open water body, with a smaller ornamental wetland feature. Biodiversity values include significant stands of Swamp Scrub and Wet Forest which has habitat for Swamp Skink and a diverse range of bird species.
Lower Kororoit Creek (Kororoit Creek, Altona)
Significance: State
Size: 28.7 hectares
Lower Kororoit Creek retains its natural stream form, supports Wetland Herbfields and Saltmarsh communities and contains significant native vegetation and wildlife. The area provides habitat for a wide range of different bird species, including the Clamorous Reed-Warbler (vagrant) and other native wildlife including Tamar River Goby and Growling Grass Frogs. This site contains significant areas of the vulnerable and endangered vegetation communities.
Monbulk Creek Retarding Basin (Monbulk Creek, Belgrave Heights)
Significance: Regional
Size: 36 hectares
Monbulk Retarding Basin supports three constructed wetlands including two large waterbodies and a smaller wetland. The two large water bodies function as lakes and were designed for flood mitigation, habitat and open recreational space. The smaller wetland provides water quality treatment and habitat. The site features many important ecological vegetation communities and habitat for the Powerful Owl and a diverse range of other bird species.
Old Joes Creek Retarding Basin (Old Joes Creek, Boronia)
Significance: Regional
Size: 2.2 hectares
The Old Joes Creek Retarding Basin contains important vegetation including Swampy Riparian Woodland, Herb-rich Foothill Forestand Valley Heathy Forest with an understorey of Red-Fruited Sword Sedge, providing habitat for the locally rare Sword-grass Brown Butterfly along with numerous birds and native mammals.
PARCS Wetland (Eel Race Drain, Carrum Downs)
Significance: State
Size: 40.3 hectares
Biodiversity values at PARCS Wetland include a range of wetland ecological vegetation communities and an abundant and diverse range of birds and frogs, including 10 threatened species. In particular, the site supports many migratory bird species which are protected under international treaties. There are several components of the wetland including the main PARCS wetland (which is fed from stormwater overflow), the seasonally inundated paddocks north of the main wetland (Northern Freshwater Meadows), and a semi-permanent wetland on land previously owned by Vic Roads.
Police Road Retarding Basin (Dandenong Creek, Rowville)
Significance: Regional
Size: 118.3 hectares
Police Road Retarding Basin supports significant stands of Swamp Scrub, remnants of Swampy Woodland and Swampy Riparian Woodland. Dwarf Galaxias, a fish listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988), has also been recorded in the wetland. The site also provides habitat for a diverse range of birds and frogs.
Riddell Road Retarding Basin (Riddell Creek, Knoxfield)
Significance: Regional
Size: 11.3 hectares
Riddell Road Retarding Basin supports four ecological vegetation communities including Swamp Scrub, Swampy Woodland, Valley Heathy Forest and Wet Verge Sedgeland. The site has a permanent wetland system and also supports a diverse array of waterbird species.
Skeleton Creek Saltmarsh (Skeleton Creek, Altona Meadows)
Significance: National
Size: 88 hectares
The Skeleton Creek sites support a number of Saltmarsh and Estuarine sub-communities and a small remnant of Plains Grassland. Saltmarsh communities are formed by the interface between sub-saline groundwater/creek base flow and irregular freshwater flooding.
Tamarisk Waterway Reserve (Tamarisk Creek, Pindara Housing Estate)
Significance: State
Size: 2.6 hectares
This reserve features a section of Tamarisk Creek which contains remnant vegetation values of conservation significance and habitat which supports a population of the state significant Swamp Skink. There is a mix of high quality vegetation, lower quality remnants and some areas of predominantly exotic vegetation.
The Inlets Waterway Reserve (Cardinia Creek)
Significance: National
Size: 69.7 hectares
The waterway reserve is part of a complex estuary known as The Inlets. It has two creeks which share the same floodplain but which enter the sea separately. The site is considered to be of national significance and supports diverse, high quality native vegetation – mainly saline, treeless and intertidal vegetation. Also present are mangroves, native terrestrial grassland, and paperbark scrub. The site is also known to support the nationally significant Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Tirhatuan Wetlands (Dandenong Creek, Rowville)
Significance: Regional
Size: 13.2 hectares
Tirhatuan Wetland, on the Dandenong Creek floodplain, features different habitats, ranging from forest/woodland, ephemeral wetlands, to open mown areas. The site is a breeding ground for Dwarf Galaxias, a fish listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). There are also Vegetation communities of state significance, and fauna of national significance, including amphibians, fish and avifauna, and migratory birds of international significance, such as Latham’s Snipe.
Truganina Swamp (Laverton Creek, Altona)
Significance: State
Size: 175 hectares
Truganina Swamp supports significant stands of Saltmarsh, Grassy Wetland and Sedgeland communities. Sections of the swamp are dominated by Chaffy Saw-sedge, the main food for the Altona Skipper Butterfly. While there have been modifications to the remnant wetlands the site still contains significant stands of remnant ecological vegetation communities, many of which require distinctly different hydrological regimes.
Tarnuk Retarding Basin (Moonee Ponds Creek, Westmeadows)
Significance: Regional
Size: 36 hectares
Tarnuk Retarding Basin is the most intact section of the Moonee Ponds Creek, having been subject to minimal engineering works. The site supports healthy vegetation communities of closed and open scrub and a small patch of Themeda Grassland.
Upper Cardinia Creek (Cardinia Creek, Upper Beaconsfield)
Significance: Regional
Size: 24 hectares
This site features some excellent examples of mature Riparian Forest and Lowland Forest. It also supports native fish and Platypus. Upper Cardinia Creek was heavily impacted by the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, which has contributed to the decline of Helmeted Honeyeater.
Wannarkladdin-Chelsea Heights Wetlands (Centre Swamp Drain, Chelsea Heights)
Significance: State
Size: 15.9 hectares
Wannarkladdin Wetlands includes a number of water bodies and is a remnant of the Carrum Carrum Swamp. Biodiversity values includes habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including eight threatened species. It also has drought refuge potential and endangered vegetation communities.
Winton Wetlands (Dandenong Creek, Wantirna)
Significance: Regional
Size: 29 hectares
Winton Wetlands is a series of remnant billabongs on a large floodplain system. It is one of the largest remaining examples of what the original creek was like before European settlement. The site provides important frog habitat, and mature trees provide nesting hollows for birds. The regionally rare Ladies Tresses Orchid, listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) is also present at the site.
Yering Backswamp (Yarra River, Yarra Glen)
Significance: National
Size: 0.8 hectares
The Yering Backswamp is considered the most important billabong remnant within the Yarra Catchment. The wetland supports a rich diversity of plant species.