Page Contents
Buckley Falls, Geelong - Fishways will be constructed at Buckley Falls to address barriers to fish passage
The Barwon and Moorabool rivers support a rich diversity of native fish and other aquatic life. For many native fish species, the ability to move freely throughout the river system is essential for feeding, breeding and completing their life cycle. Some species, known as diadromous fish, rely on movement between freshwater and saltwater environments to survive and reproduce.
Over time, the construction of weirs, dams and other in-stream structures has disrupted these natural migration pathways. These barriers can prevent fish from reaching important habitats for feeding, shelter and spawning, placing pressure on fish populations and affecting the health of the broader river ecosystem. In some locations, natural rocky barriers can also restrict fish movement.
To help address these challenges, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has secured $1.67 million in funding to improve fish passage along the lower Barwon and Moorabool rivers. The project will support the planning and construction of fishways that enable fish to move more freely throughout the river system and bypass barriers such as weirs and artificial rock-ramp structures.
Fishways, sometimes referred to as fish ladders, are a proven and effective solution for restoring fish movement and improving river connectivity. By allowing native fish to access critical habitats, fishways contribute to healthier, more resilient waterways and support the long-term sustainability of native fish populations.
Historic weirs and river structures are often an important part of a place's story. Fishway projects can be carefully integrated into these landscapes, enhancing fish passage while respecting and preserving the unique environmental, cultural and historical significance of each site.
Fish passage in the Moorabool and Barwon rivers has been severely restricted by altered water flows and hundreds of in-stream barriers, such as weirs, culverts, bridges, and roads. Reduced river flows from water diversions, urban growth, and climate change make this worse. Our project focuses on restoring connectivity in the Barwon and Moorabool rivers to protect vulnerable species like the Australian grayling and Yarra pygmy perch, both nationally listed under the EPBC Act.
Corangamite CMA has taken a strategic approach to address this by:
Progress is already visible. Two fishways installed at the Barwon River tidal barrage—once a major migration barrier—have enabled thousands of fish to move upstream. Monitoring showed 18 species and nearly 70,000 fish used the first fishway within two years, with an estimated two million fish in the first year alone.
Building on this success, the current project aims to remove or mitigate high-priority barriers upstream, ensuring consistent connectivity and helping re-establish native fish populations.
Barwon River
Planning, design, and construction of fishways at two sites within the Buckley Falls precinct.
Planning and design for a future fishway at Baum’s Weir.
(Construction at Baum’s Weir is not funded yet, but planning is an important first step toward improving connectivity.)
Moorabool River
Addressing a fish barrier at Batesford Weir in Batesford.
These works will help restore fish migration pathways and strengthen native fish populations across the region.
The Australian Grayling (Prototroctes maraena) is a nationally threatened fish found in coastal rivers of south-eastern Australia, including the Barwon and Moorabool rivers. This species is amphidromous—spawning in freshwater, with larvae drifting to the sea before juveniles return upstream.
Populations have declined dramatically due to altered water flows and stream barriers. Previous fishway projects have improved connectivity between rivers and the ocean, supporting migration and habitat access. This project will build on that success, opening longer stretches of river for the Australian Grayling and other migratory species.
Since fishways were installed at the Barwon River tidal barrage near Lake Connewarre, juvenile Grayling have been consistently recorded moving upstream—evidence of the positive impact of improved fish passage.
The best way to restore river connectivity is to remove in-stream barriers, allowing water to flow naturally. However, removal isn’t always practical. Many structures serve purposes like irrigation or pose safety and cost challenges. Some barriers are heritage listed, or form part of Geelong’s unique history.
When removal isn’t feasible, fishways are built to help native fish move upstream and access vital habitats. Fishways will be designed to achieve environmental outcomes whilst preserving the features that communities care about.
The funds have been granted as part of the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchment Program, as announced by the Hon Minister Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water on 6 December, 2025.
The Program delivers on the Australian Government’s commitment to restore the health of urban, outer urban/peri-urban and regional centre waterways for native plants and animals, and local communities.
This project specifically targets small to medium-bodied native fish that need to move past these barriers to breed and thrive. Unlike carp and other invasive species, these native species need to move between freshwater and estuarine environments as part of their lifecycle. The design of the fish ladder is specific to native fish of this size. Carp have been recorded throughout both the Barwon and Moorabool systems during fish monitoring and are already present upstream of the weir. This project will primarily benefit the native species that cannot flourish without removal of these barriers.
Fishways (or fish ladders) are structures that help fish move past barriers like weirs and dams, giving them access to the river stretches they need to survive and thrive.
Different types of fishways are used depending on the barrier and species, including:
This project’s planning phase will determine the most suitable design for each site.
See the fact sheet for images of each fishway
The project is due to be completed in early 2028 and will involve partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, community groups, local government, Heritage Victoria and other Victorian Government authorities.
This project is being delivered in close collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Protecting cultural heritage and enhancing cultural values are primary objectives of the project.
The project is not expected to have any negative impacts on platypus habitat, as construction works will occur outside the river channel and riverbanks where water is typically present.
Fishways can also provide broader ecological benefits. Macroinvertebrates, which are an important food source for platypus, are known to benefit from improved river connectivity associated with fishways. As a result, platypus may indirectly benefit from increased food availability. Fishways may also provide an easier route for platypus moving upstream through the river system.
To further protect wildlife, all contractors will be required to comply with an Environmental Management Plan in accordance with Victorian environmental regulations. This plan will include specific protocols for managing any platypus sightings during construction, ensuring appropriate measures are taken to minimise disturbance and protect the species.
64 Dennis Street, Colac VIC 3250
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au
BARWON WATER OFFICES
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
All mail must be sent via our Colac office
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au
Close
