Powells Creek (Sydney) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Powells |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Municipality | Sydney |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Strathfield 33°52′8.1552″S 151°5′27.6792″E / 33.868932000°S 151.091022000°E |
| River mouth | Parramatta River Homebush Bay 33°50′22.3146″S 151°4′49.8792″E / 33.839531833°S 151.080522000°E |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Parramatta River |
Powells Creek is a small waterway in Sydney, Australia. It is a southern branch, or tributary, of the Parramatta River. This creek is an urban stream, meaning it flows through city areas. It is located west of Sydney Harbour. Powells Creek flows through Sydney Olympic Park and eventually joins the Parramatta River at Homebush Bay.
Contents
Journey of Powells Creek
Powells Creek starts in the inner-western suburb of Strathfield. Here, it begins as a concrete channel built to carry stormwater (rainwater runoff). From Strathfield, it flows north-west through the suburb of Homebush.
The creek passes by Bressington Park. At this point, it meets and joins another creek called Saleyards Creek. After this meeting point, the concrete walls of Powells Creek stop. The creek then changes into a natural stream.
Creek's Natural Areas
In its more natural parts, Powells Creek is lined with mangrove trees. These trees are special because they can grow in salty water. The creek then flows through Bicentennial Park. Finally, it empties into Homebush Bay, which is part of the Parramatta River.
Protecting the Creek's Environment
For many years, people have worked to improve Powells Creek. In the 1930s, parts of Powells Creek and Saleyards Creek were changed into canals. This process, called canalisation, affected the water. It changed how salty the water was and how much pollution was in the nearby wetlands. Wetlands are areas of land that are covered by water, like swamps.
Helping the Creek's Health
In 1998, a special gate called a drop board weir was put in the creek. This weir helps to bring back the natural flow of tides into the creek. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels. By letting the tides flow more naturally, the creek's environment can become healthier.
In 2008, the City of Canada Bay council asked local people for their ideas. They wanted to improve the look and health of Powells Creek. This project was called the Powells Creek Renewal Project.
Lost Salt Marshes
In the past, Powells Creek had large areas of salt marsh along its edges. Salt marshes are important coastal wetlands. However, many of these marshes have disappeared. This happened because land was filled in and more buildings were built in the area. Since 2008, a local project has been collecting information about the history of the land around Powells Creek. This helps people understand how the area has changed over time.
