River project targets native fish decline

BUCKLEY Falls could be modified to help native fish move more freely through the Barwon River under a conservation project aimed at restoring migratory fish populations.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has secured $1.67 million to improve fish passage on the lower Barwon and Moorabool rivers, with Buckley Falls identified as one of the key barriers targeted for works.

The project aims to restore river connectivity by helping fish move past barriers that restrict access to breeding, feeding and refuge habitat.

At Buckley Falls, Corangamite CMA is investigating a series of improvements, including the construction of two fishways and the potential removal of the existing concrete capping structure.

Fishways are engineered channels that allow fish to move around barriers by creating a series of smaller, more manageable steps through a waterway.

Corangamite CMA senior project officer Wayne McLaren said freshwater migratory populations were facing significant declines.

“Freshwater migratory fish species are in crisis,” he said.

“We’ve lost over 80 per cent of species worldwide and it’s a similar story here in Australia.

“Australian Grayling is in decline, and this project aims to improve their population and distribution. Building these fish ladders is a technical solution we can use to combat this issue.”

Buckley Falls contains a combination of natural and man-made barriers that restrict fish movements, particularly during periods of low flow.

Under the plan, a fish ladder would be built on the northern side of the falls, while a second rock-pool fishway would be installed at a downstream barrier.

Before final designs are completed, the Corangamite CMA is seeking community feedback on the proposed works and what people value most about the site.

“Buckley Falls is a much-loved place for the Geelong community, and we want to make sure any future improvements are understood by the community and reflect what people value most about the site,” McLaren said.

“These proposed works are about supporting native migratory fish and improving river health for the community’s benefit, but it’s important we hear directly from the community to help guide how the project moves forward.”