Corangamite CMA to construct ‘fishways’ in Barwon and Moorabool rivers

New “fishways” will be built in the Barwon and Moorabool rivers to lend a helping fin to our underwater residents.

Terry and Pam Bolton looking over Buckley Falls, where upgrades to the waterway will take place in the next four years after Corangamite Catchment Management Authority was awarded a $1.67m grant. Picture: Alan Barber

A $1.67m grant will see the Barwon and Moorabool rivers upgraded to benefit the health of native plants and animals in the region in the next four years.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) was awarded the grant to address barriers to fish passage on the 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.

On the Moorabool River, the funds will support planning and construction of a fishway at Batesford Weir, Batesford.

A new grant will see a fishway designed and constructed at Baum's Weir. Picture: Alan Barber

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 chief executive Amber Clarke said it was a fantastic investment by the Australian Government.

She said it would improve connectivity of the “vital urban waterways” and allow native fish to move and thrive, including the threatened migratory Australian Grayling.”

Clifton Springs couple Terry and Pam Bolton occasionally visit Buckley Falls.

Mr Bolton said while he hadn’t fished in that part of the Barwon River since he was a boy, it was a beautiful part of Geelong.

He said if the site remained scenic and calming the upgrades would be positive.

“We saw lots of people there on Sunday, walking and enjoying the nice view,” he said.

“I know people do fish there, too.”

The projects are due to be completed by the end of February 2028.

They will be completed in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, community groups, local government, Heritage Victoria and other Victorian government authorities.

The funds were granted as part of the Federal government’s Urban Rivers and Catchment Program.

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the government wanted to leave nature better off for future generations.

“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas, home to 96 per cent of Australia’s population,” she said.

“And with so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of our waterways is essential.

“This critical funding is good news for native wildlife and the community – improving the quality of the urban spaces that we all share and love.”

Originally published as Corangamite CMA to construct ‘fishways’ in Barwon and Moorabool rivers