Construction work on two new fishways along Gunbower Creek will begin this week, giving fish almost 700kms of waterways to breed and feed in.
The fishways at Koondrook and Cohuna weirs along Gunbower Creek will allow fish, including the iconic Murray cod, to safely move between the creek and the Murray River.
Initial works are taking place from early March to 20 May 2021, with the majority of works undertaken during the irrigation season shutdown from 15 May to 15 August 2021. Construction is expected to be complete by October 2021.
There is expected to be minimal impact on the residents of Cohuna and Koondrook but includes:
- The walking access track over the Cohuna Weir structure will be closed for the duration of the works, and the Cohuna Public Recreation Reserve will remain accessible via Cohuna Island Road. The swimming pool will also have temporary access through the bowls club during the works period.
- The northern end of the Koondrook Track will be closed for the duration of the works, and an alternative northern access to Gunbower Creek will be signposted via Condidorios Bridge/River Track/Coughlan Track. The camping and boat ramp area on the Koondrook Track is available via this alternative route and Spences Bridge
Goulburn-Murray Water General Manager Infrastructure Delivery Services Warren Jose said S&R Engineering and Construction will complete a significant portion of both fishways before dewatering of the site takes place during the off-season period.
“This leaves a small amount of works to be completed during our winter shutdown, and reduces the construction risks of the project,” Mr Jose said.
The works will require a once-off drawdown of the weir pools during the irrigation shutdown, and irrigation customers who rely on domestic and stock supply should fill their dam ahead of the irrigation shutdown period. Impacted customers will be contacted ahead of time.
North Central Catchment Management Authority Project Manager Peter Rose said the fishways are vital for fish movement and will be a boost for the local community.
“The fishways will benefit the local community through increased recreational fishing and ecotourism opportunities,” he said.
“Gunbower Creek is ideal habitat for perch and cod, and this work will add to the significant benefits water for the environment is having in the creek.”
All staff and contractors will adhere to the current Victorian Government COVIDSafe guidelines while undertaking the works.
For more information, go to www.gmwater.com.au/fishways
Background
- The project is a partnership between Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA), who will oversee construction by Bendigo-based company S&R Engineering and Construction.
- The projects are joint-funded by the Victorian Government, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH), North Central CMA and GMW.
- Funded by the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package to support projects and jobs across the state as part of the coronavirus (COVID-19) economic recovery, the Koondrook Weir has received an additional $1.5 million from North Central CMA through the Victorian Government’s Fish Passage Stimulus Package, and DELWP and VEWH are contributing $4.6 million through the sale of environmental water.
- GMW has contributed an additional $3.6 million for the Cohuna Weir Fishway.