Skeleton Creek (Victoria)
Encyclopedia
Skeleton Creek is a waterway in the outer western and outer south-western regions of Melbourne
, Victoria
. The creek originates near Mt Cottrell
, to the south of Rockbank
, and passes through rural land until it reaches the suburban areas of Tarneit
, Truganina
, Hoppers Crossing
, Altona Meadows
and Point Cook
before it flows into Port Phillip Bay after the Cheetham Wetlands. The creek has important local Aboriginal
spiritual significance and parts of the creek are popular sites for recreation.
, but it is becoming increasingly urbanised as new developments extend across the catchment from Hoppers Crossing and surrounding areas. This new development poses a major risk to the health of the river as does the poor quality of both the creek's water and streamside vegetation along significant parts of the waterway.
The Cheetham Wetlands, a significant site for migratory birds, is located at the mouth of the creek.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The creek originates near Mt Cottrell
Mount Cottrell, Victoria
Mount Cottrell is a locality in the outer western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, 34 km west from the central business district. Its Local Government Area is the Shire of Melton . At the 2006 Census, Mount Cottrell had a population of 586....
, to the south of Rockbank
Rockbank, Victoria
Rockbank is a township and rural locality in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 km west from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the Shire of Melton. At the 2006 Census, Rockbank had a population of 1,337....
, and passes through rural land until it reaches the suburban areas of Tarneit
Tarneit, Victoria
Tarneit is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 25 km south-west from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Wyndham....
, Truganina
Truganina, Victoria
Truganina is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 21 km west from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Wyndham and Shire of Melton....
, Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing, Victoria
Hoppers Crossing is an outer suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 28.8 km south-west of Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Wyndham. According to estimated Population figures from 2006 the population of Hoppers Crossing was 39,051...
, Altona Meadows
Altona Meadows, Victoria
Altona Meadows is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 17 km south-west from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Hobsons Bay. At the 2006 Census, Altona Meadows had a population of 18,748....
and Point Cook
Point Cook, Victoria
Point Cook is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 25 km south-west from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Wyndham. At the 2006 Census, Point Cook had a population of 14,162, now it is estimated that the population of Point Cook is 32,167...
before it flows into Port Phillip Bay after the Cheetham Wetlands. The creek has important local Aboriginal
Australian Aborigines
Australian Aborigines , also called Aboriginal Australians, from the latin ab originem , are people who are indigenous to most of the Australian continentthat is, to mainland Australia and the island of Tasmania...
spiritual significance and parts of the creek are popular sites for recreation.
Environmental condition
Skeleton Creek has been classed as being in "moderate condition" by Melbourne WaterMelbourne Water
Melbourne Water is a government owned statutory authority that controls much of the water system in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia including the reservoirs, and thesewerage and drainage system that services the city.- Overview :...
, but it is becoming increasingly urbanised as new developments extend across the catchment from Hoppers Crossing and surrounding areas. This new development poses a major risk to the health of the river as does the poor quality of both the creek's water and streamside vegetation along significant parts of the waterway.
The Cheetham Wetlands, a significant site for migratory birds, is located at the mouth of the creek.
See also
- Skeleton Creek TrailSkeleton Creek TrailThe Skeleton Creek Trail is a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians, which follows Skeleton Creek as it passes through the outer western suburb of Point Cook in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia....
, a cycling and walking trail along the southern part of the creek.