Rapid Creek Environment Study 2005
State of the Environment
Rapid Creek is the only
significant freshwater system in Darwin. It is considered to be of
environmental and social importance.
Both non-government and
government organisations work towards environmental rehabilitation of
degraded areas.
- Animals
-
The Rapid Creek area has
shrimps, bugs, insects, butterflies, moths, flies, mosquitoes, leeches,
bats, birds, fish, yabbies, mud crabs, crocodiles, snakes, frogs and
lizards. These form a food web. Animal threats include pigs,
cane toads, feral dogs and cats, and domestic dogs and
cats.
Frogs!
- Urban
Encroachment -
The
vegetation in the plant communities throughout Rapid Creek have been affected
by:
- roads,
bridges, walking tracks, bike
tracks
- clearing of land
(near the stables, airport, removing market
gardens)
- houses, units,
hotels, shops.
- Rubbish
-
Littering and rubbish dumping
have a negative impact. More community liaison
could provide for the reporting of rubbish dumping. Weed dumping
spreads seeds.
- Water Quality
-
The water quality is generally good, but
storm water outlets need to be monitored. The airport could be the cause of accidental
pollution.
The protection and
improvement of the water quality is important. If pollutants alter the
fish population, this means the control of the mosquitoes
may be
affected.
- Fire
-
Fires often start naturally because of
lightning strikes, but can also be caused by campers, motor bikes, or
children playing. Fire is important in clearing vegetation and
promoting new growth, but the paperbark and swamp
communities and the monsoon forest can be damaged by
fire.
- Erosion and
Human Impact -
Soil and vegetation have been affected along Rapid Creek by
people accessing the area, either on foot or in vehicles. Surface water
flow and run-off coming into the creek from adjoining built-up areas
(especially in the wet season) cause the banks of the creek to erode.
©Millner
Primary School 2005