Work continues on fishway after floods
18 April 2011
Construction on the Marebone fishway on the Macquarie River north of Warren has recommenced after months of high flows brought work to a halt.
Native fish will have access to an additional 214km of river on completion of the $3.5 million project.
State Water Corporation is managing the works in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water) as part of the Rivers Environmental Restoration Program (RERP).
State Water Project Manager Janaka Weeraratne said the high flows delayed the project as the fishway was under water for seven months.
“Although it was great to see water in the river it was unfortunate that it hindered progress on the fishway project,” Mr Weeraratne said.
“We have now been able to clean up the site since the water level has dropped, and can continue building the new fishway.”
The fishway is now scheduled for completion in July, 2011.
Contractors Australian Prestressing Services have been able to use local subcontractors from Warren to supply labour and materials such as concrete and earthmoving equipment.
“In total, RERP projects are investing $10 million into infrastructure to improve biodiversity, wetland recovery and river restoration,” Mr Weeraratne said.
“Part of the project includes the installation of fishways at important sites to improve the movement of native fish in and out of major wetland areas,” he said.
“The existing fishway at Marebone Weir will be de-commissioned as it was built in 1975 and no longer meets the performance requirements and accessibility for new fishways.
“The new fishway will be a vertical slot system which best meets economic and ecological requirements and provides demonstrated long-term benefits to maintain or improve biodiversity.”
RERP is jointly funded by the NSW Government and the Australian Government’s Water for the Future - Water Smart Australia Program and aims to arrest the decline of wetlands through water recovery and effective management of environmental water.
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