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About the Catchment Area : Creeks &
Rivers
Christie Creek
The Christie Creek Catchment is located in the south of
Adelaide, and encompasses an approximate area of 37 square kilometres.
The catchment is bounded by the Field River Catchment to the north
and the Onkaparinga River Catchment to the south. The Christie Creek
originates in the southern Mt Lofty Ranges, and has a series of
five major tributaries that converge near the mid-point of the catchment.
A single primary channel then meanders its way through coastal hills
before reaching the sea at Christies Beach.
Characteristics
A large proportion of the catchment has been urbanised, with
almost 50 per cent comprising residential development. Within this
urban sector, the Christie Creek and its tributaries have been highly
modified, through realignment and artificial lining of the watercourse
to address flooding and erosion issues. There are two main commercial
areas in the middle of the catchment, one near South Rd and the
other near Panatalinga Rd. An industrial area lies in the lower
extremity of the catchment, whilst the upper portions of the catchment
are of rural character.
Flora and Fauna
The majority of original native vegetation within the catchment
has been removed, such that only isolated pockets remain. These
remnants are vulnerable to degradation from invasive non-native
species, as are their resident animal populations. The six major
vegetation associations are:
- Coastal Vegetation
- Sub-Coastal Woodland
- Transition zone between Sub-Coastal and Grey Box Woodland
- Grey Box Woodland
- Grey Box – Blue Gum Woodland
- Grey Box – Pink Gum Woodland
Numerous species of frogs, birds, mammals and reptiles are also
found throughout the Christie Creek Catchment.
Aboriginal and European Heritage
At the time of European settlement, the Kaurna Aboriginal ‘tribe’
inhabited the area now known as Adelaide. Their territory is thought
to have comprised the coastal plains from Crystal Brook to Cape
Jervis, and to the western edge of the Mt Lofty Ranges. Early historical
accounts suggest that the Kaurna occupied the coastal areas in summer,
and retreated inland during winter. Food resources that were utilised
included small marsupials, insect larvae and fish. Evidence of coastal
occupation has been collected adjacent to the outflow of the Christie
Creek, along the cliffline above the coast, as well as within the
remaining coastal dunes. Freshwater springs and watercourses inland
are also believed to have supported Kaurna inhabitants, however,
due to suburban development evidence of such occupation is minimal.
The first European expedition into the Noarlunga district (including
the Christie Creek Catchment) was undertaken in 1837 by the Colonial
Commissioner of Crown Lands, James Hurtle Fisher, accompanied by
Colonel Light and John Morphett. Christie Creek was the location
for one of the earliest schools of the region, Victoria School,
which served the local community from 1854-79. The creek also provided
an important source of water for the early settlers, and facilitated
agricultural and pastoral development within the catchment area.
Water Management Issues
As a consequence of agricultural and urban development, the physical
characteristics and flow regime of the Christie Creek have been
substantially modified. The following issues are being examined
by the Board in relation to river health and management.
- Community awareness and education to promote responsible water
use practices.
- Water quality, which is affected by urban and agricultural runoff
containing heavy metals, rubbish, elevated nutrient levels and
sediments.
- Sustainable water use, to ensure ongoing availability and viability
of the resource.
- Water course rehabilitation, including bank stabilisation, revegetation
and removal of non-native vegetation, for example, olive and willow
trees.
Active Water Interest Groups and Organisations
- Christie Creek Catchment Group
- The Urban Forests Biodiversity Program
- Trees for Life
- Woodcroft Primary School
- O’Sullivan Beach Primary School
- Beresford Avenue Our Patch Group
- City of Onkaparinga Council
- SA Water
Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board Activities
The Board has produced a Catchment Water Management Plan, as well
as a Biodiversity Action Plan for the Christie Creek, both of which
serve as a means of defining future catchment issues and activities,
while providing an assessment of stream health.
The Board also coordinates the monitoring of a load-based gauging
station on the Christie Creek, which determines the total load of
contaminants that are potentially discharged into the Gulf of St
Vincent marine environment. The gauging station facilitates the
calculation of a water flow rate, while also measuring the concentration
of the following urban and agricultural pollutants.
- Heavy metals
- Nutrients
- Hydrocarbons
Available OCWMB Reference Material
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