GOULBURN-Murray Water (GMW) and Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) have teamed up to relocate some fish to a place where they will be a perk instead of a pest.
During its Winter Works program, GMW lowers channels across its region so it can desilt them and treat them for weeds. In July, the Number 1 Channel at Leitchville was lowered by GMW.
GMW works closely with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) to ensure when the channels are lowered the fish can be rescued and relocated. GMW also collaborated with GVW to relocate the fish to a fish hatchery in Shepparton.
The fish hatchery will help stock GVW and the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club’s Dunyak Moira project (meaning fishing lake in Yorta Yorta language). The project will transform two decommissioned lagoons at the Merrigum Water Treatment Plant into lakes that will be stocked with native fish.
“When we dewater our channels, we always do what we can to rescue and relocate native fish in them. Often we simply transport them back to nearby creeks, but it is great that in this instance we know we are moving them to somewhere they will be a valuable asset,” said GMW Water Delivery Services general manager, Warren Blyth.
The Dunyak Moira project is expected to be complete in 2023 and there is currently no public access. Heavy machinery is currently operating at the site, so it is crucial people follow the safety signage and stay out of prohibited areas.
