Gippsland › Latest news › Southern Rural Water
New project to build 35 km high-quality river habitat fishway at Maffra Weir
A new fishway being designed for Maffra Weir will allow endangered and significant native fish species to travel upstream along the Macalister River.
Southern Rural Water Managing Director, Cameron FitzGerald, said recent upgrades of the Maffra Weir incorporated foresight for the potential environmental benefits, providing design opportunities to add a fishway when funding became available. "We're thrilled with the new Victorian Government funding to enable fish passage over Maffra Weir - the biggest inhibitor for achieving long-term fish objectives for the lower Macalister River," Cameron said.
Left to right, West Gippsland Water Catchment Authority CEO, Martin Fuller, Minister for Water, the Hon Harriet Shing MP and Southern Rural Water Managing Director, Cameron FitzGerald at Maffra Weir
Strengthening climate resilience
Cameron said, "Through this great partnership with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, we'll be able to design a project that will have significant environmental benefits for the local river system."
The fishway will open up 35 kilometres of high-quality river habitat to species such as the Australian Bass, the culturally significant River Blackfish, and the endangered Australian Grayling. This will strengthen the climate resilience of fish populations; allowing fish to move upstream in times of drought and quickly move back into the river reaches when wet conditions return. Design of the fishway is expected to be complete in late 2024, with construction finished by end of 2027.
Pictures from West Gippsland Water Catchment Authority website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
AFL investigating alleged racism at Omeo District grand final following online video reports
Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
