SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON BUCKLEY FALLS

Geelong locals and Barwon River users are being invited to share their thoughts on one of the region’s most iconic river locations, with Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) calling for community feedback on proposed waterway improvements at Buckley Falls.

Corangamite CMA is seeking input from the community on what people value about the site, any concerns or questions they may have, and their level of support for proposed works to improve native fish populations — including the potential removal of the existing concrete capping at the falls.

This engagement forms part of the ‘Improving Fish Passage on the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers’ project, which aims to restore river connectivity and support native fish species recovery by removing or modifying barriers that restrict movement.

At Buckley Falls, the project focuses on planning and constructing two fishways that will help native fish move more freely along the river. Addressing barriers that impact movement is critical to supporting migratory fish populations. It helps them to access different habitats required to complete their lifecycle ie. for food, refuge, spawning. This ultimately supports healthier waterways.

The Buckley Falls site includes a combination of natural and artificial barriers that significantly restrict fish movement, particularly during low flows. In response, Corangamite CMA is proposing a series of carefully designed fishways, including a fish ladder on the north side of the falls and a rock pool fish ladder at a downstream barrier. These designs aim to create gradual “steps” in the river, allowing fish to rest as they move upstream, while maintaining the natural character of the site and public access.

Wayne McLaren, Senior Project Officer – Major Project Delivery, Corangamite CMA, said addressing any community feedback would be important prior to implementing works for the final design.

“Buckley Falls is a much-loved place for the Geelong community, and we want to make sure any future improvements are understood by the community and reflect what people value most about the site.

“Freshwater migratory fish species are in crisis. We’ve lost over 80% of species worldwide and it’s a similar story here in Australia. Australian Grayling is in decline, and this project aims to improve their population and distribution. Building these fish ladders is a technical solution we can use to combat this issue”

“These proposed works are about supporting native migratory fish and improving river health for the community's benefit, but it’s important we hear directly from the community to help guide how the project moves forward.”

Community and stakeholder feedback is an important part of this project—helping ensure the proposed works are well understood, reflect local knowledge, values and priorities, and help demonstrate how they support the long-term health of the Barwon River.

Corangamite CMA is encouraging anyone with an interest in the Barwon River—whether you live nearby, visit Buckley Falls, or simply care about healthy waterways—to take a few minutes to share their feedback.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.