Ipswich in Spring 2019

BIG FIND AT SMALL CREEK CAUSE FOR EXCITEMENT

Hundreds of native fish have been recorded in Small Creek, Raceview for the first time since work began to return it to a naturalised creek from a concrete drain. The discovery is significant because it means efforts to create a suitable habitat for wildlife have been successful. A total of 874 fish, most small in size, were recorded in May in the section of the creek between Briggs Road and Warwick Road. This included six native species and two pests. Native species recorded included carp gudgeon, fly–specked hardyhead and longfin eel. Ipswich City Council Acting Principal Officer of Natural Resources, Phil Smith, said it was an exciting result. “It means the water quality is good and that we have created an attractive habitat for them to make their way up from the Bremer River and Deebing Creek,” he said. “To go from having zero fish in the creek 12 months ago to recording an abundance of native fish confirms what we are doing is working. “One of the native species found was carp gudgeon which eats mosquitoes, and that’s good news because it means natural regulation of the mosquito population will occur.” Small Creek languished as a concrete channel for several decades before council embarked on a four–stage project to return it to a more natural state. The focus was on not only restoring important habitat for wildlife and improving the quality of water entering the river system but also improving flood protection for the nearby area. Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe

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