Loders Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loders |
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The Loders Creek mouth, 2015
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 Location of the Loders Creek mouth within Queensland
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Queensland |
| Region | South East Queensland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ashmore |
| River mouth | Gold Coast Broadwater Southport 0 m (0 ft) 27°57′18″S 153°24′38″E / 27.9549°S 153.4105°E |
| Length | 8.3 km (5.2 mi) |
The Loders Creek is a small waterway in Queensland, Australia. It's a type of stream and tidal creek. This means its water levels change with the ocean tides. Loders Creek flows through the Gold Coast area. It is about 8.3 kilometers (5.2 miles) long. The creek is part of a larger water system called The Broadwater. This area collects water from rain and smaller streams.
Contents
Where Loders Creek Starts and Flows
Loders Creek begins from two smaller streams. These streams meet west of Southport. Both of these starting streams have been changed a lot. They now help drain storm water from the suburb of Ashmore. Most of these channels are lined with concrete.
However, the northern stream still has some natural parts. These natural areas have a mix of deeper pools and shallower, faster-flowing sections. These spots are very important. They provide a home for the Wallum froglet, which is a vulnerable type of frog.
From where the two streams join, the creek flows towards the northeast. It runs along the edge of Southport State High School. Then, it goes under the Gold Coast Highway. Finally, it reaches The Broadwater at Len Fox Park. This park is located between Southport and Labrador.
The Creek's Catchment Area
A catchment area is like a giant bowl. It collects all the rain and water that eventually flows into a river or creek. The catchment area for Loders Creek is located between two other water systems. To the north is Biggera Creek. To the south and west is the Nerang River.
Helping Loders Creek: Community Efforts
Loders Creek was special because it was the first creek on the Gold Coast to have a community group dedicated to its care. This group was formed in 1994. They work to improve the creek and the areas around it.
Since they started, the group has done many good things. They have created a nature trail and a butterfly garden. They also make learning materials about the creek. The group carries out restoration work. This means they help bring the creek back to a healthier state. They also do surveys to count and study the wildlife living in the catchment area.
Wildlife and Plants of Loders Creek
Over time, much of the native plant life along Loders Creek has been removed. This was done to help control floods. Even so, the creek still has important natural areas. These include freshwater wetlands and areas affected by tides. There are also some dry eucalyptus forests in the catchment.
Animals Living in the Area
Many native animals call the Loders Creek area home. Some of these include bandicoots. These are small, furry marsupials. You might also spot a koala resting in the trees. Another interesting animal is the lace monitor. This is a large type of lizard.
