Works are underway on the final stages of a fish superhighway in north central Victoria, connecting hundreds of kilometres of waterways.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $4.9 million to the Taylor's Creek Fishway near Leitchville, which will allow native fish to swim freely between Ghow (Kow) Swamp, parts of the Murray, Little Murray and Lower Loddon rivers, and Pyramid, Taylor's, and Gunbower creeks.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has invested $1.6 million to the project, which will also benefit recreational fishers.
During fish migration, large numbers of native fish such as golden perch congregate at Taylor's Weir, searching for feeding and breeding grounds. Fishways allow that migration to continue and help with the dispersal of native fish populations.
The $6.5 million project is managed by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and will be constructed by Goulburn Murray Water (GMW). Collaboration between the two agencies has led to the construction of multiple projects with community benefit throughout the region.
The new fishway is part of the North Central CMA's Native Fish Recovery Plan, which identifies the construction of eight new fishways and upgrades to three in order to connect 530km of open Murray River to 560km of local waterways.
Ghow Swamp is highly significant to its Traditional Owners, and the North Central CMA and GMW are working with the Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation to ensure protection of the region's irreplaceable cultural heritage.
As stated by Minister for Water Harriet Shing
"Across Victoria, fishways work in conjunction with water for the environment, revegetation and re-snagging programs to improve conditions for our native fish in regulated systems."
"Infrastructure plays an important role in ensuring native animals and vegetation can survive and thrive on our floodplains and in our rivers."
As stated by Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Simon Banks
"These activities help enhance the environmental benefit we can achieve with our water."
"We are excited to be a funding partner on this important project which will improve native fish migration from the Loddon River through to Gunbower Creek and other local tributaries."
