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
Community feedback strengthens Wellington's Road Management Plan, highlighting priorities for road upgrades
East Gippsland kids invited to join and send entries for National Water Week poster competition by 12 September 2025
Future Wellington Community feedback shapes draft plans, final input invited before 16 July 2025
Gippsland Water commits to keeping customer bills affordable despite cost of living pressures
Have your say on Latrobe's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 until 29 July 2025
Latrobe City Council endorses new Council Plan and Community Vision 2025-2029 to guide Latrobe's future growth
Wellington Shire Councillors advocate for region's needs at National Local Government Assembly in Canberra on 24 - 27 June 2025
East Gippsland tourism and hospitality masterclass to build sustainable, resilient businesses and grow positive
Southern Rural Water celebrates 30 years of service with modernisation, partnerships and sustainable water
