billabong

A section of a river which has been cut off from the main river. Some billabongs are filled with water year round, and others are only filled filled with water after rain.

clan

A group of people linked together by descent or perceived familial relationships. A tribe is usually made of a number of clans.

contaminated

When foreign, unwanted material constitutes part of the soil or water.

deposition

The release or dropping of sediments carried by wind, ice or water.

endangered

A species which is at risk of being extinct.

ephemeral lake

A water body which is dependent on rainfall or over flow for water supply. It is sometimes dry.

estuaries

Areas found where the river meets the sea. They are subject to tidal influences and saline water, and also the flow of freshwater from the river. They are important breeding and feeding grounds for many fish and bird species.

flood mitigation

Redirecting excess water flow and increasing the porosity of ground reducing the severity of flood events. Mangroves and other forms of riverine vegetation play an important role in protecting communities against flooding.

floodplain

The area of land adjacent to a river which is likely to flood during heavy periods of rain. These areas usually have fertile soils due to large scale deposition of soils and sediments during flood events.

GIS

Geographic Information System. A layered, computer based mapping system that shows the interrelationships between different features of an environment.

invertebrates

Animals that do not have a back bone.

reclaimed

An area of land which has been created by filling in or extending a section of a river bed. These areas are usually subject to flooding.

remediation

Attempts to reduce pollution and chemical build up in soils and waters and restore some of the natural properties of an environment.

shell middens

Evidence of ancient Aboriginal campsites. They contain shells which contained seafood eaten by groups living in the area.

stormwater retention

Attempts to reduce the flow of water leaving built up areas. Stormwater often contains rubbish and oils, and slowing the flow of water can reduce the amount of rubbish that reaches natural waterways.

urbanisation

The process of increasing population densities living in large towns and cities.

vulnerable

A species which is likely to become endangered.