Saleyards Creek


Saleyards Creek is a canalised urban stream, acting as a stormwater channel, located in Sydney, Australia.

Description

Saleyards Creek has its source in the Rookwood Cemetery beside the suburb of Strathfield, and flows generally northward through the suburb of Homebush. Saleyards Creek is now lined with concrete banks for its entire length, although the portions of the creek flowing through Airey Park and beside Bressington Park also have trees planted alongside. Since its water is largely provided by rainfall in the Sydney area, flows are reduced to little more than a trickle during dry weather.
Saleyards Creek flows through a man-made tunnel under Paddy's Markets Flemington. Emerging into daylight, it continues under Parramatta Road and the M4 Western Motorway, finally flowing into Powells Creek at Bressington Park in Homebush. When driving westbound on the M4 Western Motorway it is possible to see a sign showing where Saleyards Creek flows under the motorway, not far east of Homebush Bay Drive.

History

Saleyards Creek is named after the Flemington cattle saleyards, established in 1909. Once a natural stream, Saleyards Creek was canalised by the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board in the 1930s, partly as a work relief project during the Great Depression.

Ecological issues

Canalisation of the stream has affected salinity and pollution levels in nearby tidal wetlands. Silt build-up from stormwater flows provides a feeding habitat for birds such as ducks and gulls, but interferes with water flow, and so is occasionally removed.