MANY HANDS MAKE HABITAT FOR FISH

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) and Oz Fish Unlimited have partnered with Colac Secondary College to make habitat for fish. 

Colac Secondary College's Year 11 VCAL Personal Development Work-Related students have committed to help build Fish Hotels for the Curdies River Fish Habitat Restoration project.

Over the next 12-18 months, students will work alongside Corangamite CMA Project Officers and Oz Fish Unlimted Officers to build two fish hotels from locally sourced eucalyptus, designed to provide shelter and feeding sources for fish species.

The two new fish hotels will produce habitat for threatened Australian Grayling and other aquatic wildlife, including frogs, platypus, water rats, insects, and birds.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) Project Officer Gene Gardiner said, "We are thrilled to partner with Colac Secondary to be able to offer this opportunity to have students involved directly in the Curdies River Fish Habitat Restoration project".

"Over the next 12-18 months, students will build two fish hotels that will contribute directly to improving environmental outcomes along the Curdies River," said Mr Gardiner.

"The students have already demonstrated an eagerness and enthusiasm to learn, and I look forward to continuing to work with the students as they develop new skills over the next 12-18months," continued Mr Gardiner.

Colac Secondary College teacher Stephen Gill said, "Our students are very excited to be involved in the project”.

“The students are looking forward to learning about river health, fish habitat, aquatic species in the Curdies River but mostly contributing positively to the local community,” continued Mr Gill.

This project is supported by Corangamite CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program.