Two creeks in Aberfoyle Park will soon be improved thanks to a $1.83 million funding boost from the Australian Government.
Sauerbier Creek and Homestead Creek are the newest additions to the council’s Urban Creek Recovery Initiative, which is rehabilitating creeks across the region.
The Aberfoyle Park project will improve water quality and flow, expand and protect habitats for native plants and animals, and create great spaces for the community to interact with nature.
These two creeks are home to hundreds of species of native flora and fauna, including 32 plant and 15 wildlife species that are threatened with extinction such as the southern brown bandicoot and Cunningham’s skink.
Watercourses play important roles as wildlife corridors connecting hills-face vegetation with national parks and the coast. These corridors allow safe passage for native animals as they breed and seek shelter and food.
According to Nikola Manos, Onkaparinga’s Nature Conservation Project Officer, the project is a win for both the environment and the community.
“Our natural watercourses are important as habitat and wildlife corridors. Many of them still have patches of remnant native vegetation,” says Nikola.
“They are also of immense value to local residents by offering beautiful spaces for recreation and connection with nature.
“Importantly, they help reduce urban heat-related impacts from climate change by providing cooler spaces, as well as providing clean air and water.”
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of the City of Onkaparinga.
Federal Member for Kingston Minister Amanda Rishworth said the critical Australian Government investment would help better protect native plants and animals.
“Our community is so lucky to be home to such beautiful beaches, creeks and waterways – and the Albanese Labor Government’s priority is protecting them for future generations,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Through our Urban Rivers and Catchment Program, we’re pleased to work in partnership with the local community to restore important waterways at Aberfoyle Park, protect native plants and animals, and further revitalise our extraordinary southern suburbs.”
The council will deliver the project by:
- upgrading drainage systems and stabilising creek banks by putting in place litter traps, native plantings, logs, rocks and permeable fabric
- improving the management of stormwater
- removing weeds including some woody weeds (such as non-native trees that are threatening native vegetation and water quality)
- regenerating and planting local native plant species, with some seedling stock propagated in the council’s nursery
- protecting and enhancing habitat for native animals with a focus on threatened species
- removing rubbish in creek beds and surrounds.
- monitoring water quality and native plant and animal populations
- providing signage and safe access for the community to connect with nature.
An important part of the project is getting the community involved.
“We want to work with the local community because they are the ones living along this wildlife corridor. Many people have already told us about threatened species that are visiting their gardens,” says Nikola.
“Community members can get involved in monitoring wildlife or join us in planting native vegetation.
“We will also develop information resources for schools and community groups and place signs on site with information about local native species.”
The Australian Government previously provided $5 million to the council's Urban Creek Recovery project through round one of the Urban Rivers and Catchment Program to improve the health of 5.3km of the Panalatinga and Serpentine Creeks plus a number of tributaries in Happy Valley, O’Halloran Hill, Reynella East, Old Reynella and Woodcroft.
More project information to come.