Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been awarded a $1.67 million grant for addressing barriers to fish passage on the lower Barwon and Moorabool rivers. The funds will be used to plan and construct fishways to allow fish to move freely up and down the rivers to feed and breed, and to move past obstacles such as weirs and artificial rock pools.
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.
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.
On the Moorabool River, the funds will support planning and construction of a fishway at Batesford Weir, Batesford.
On the Barwon River, the funds will support planning, design and construction of fishways at Buckley Falls and a downstream rock pool, as well as planning and design of a fishway at the nearby Baum’s Weir.
Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke said, “This is a fantastic investment by the Australian Government that will improve connectivity of these vital urban waterways and allow native fish to move and thrive, including the threatened migratory Australian Grayling.”
The projects are due to be completed by the end of February 2028 and will involve partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, community groups, local government, Heritage Victoria and other Victorian Government authorities.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
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