Earlier this month, Goulburn-Murray Water became aware of a population of native fish in Fernihurst, south-east of Boort, at the Western Waranga Channel, where dewatering was taking place as part of routine winter maintenance.
“The fish were at risk with reduced water, so we co-ordinated an effort in conjunction with (the Victorian Fisheries Authority) and relocated about 20 Murray cod, ranging from 30-to-80 cm, and 30 golden perch, between 20 and 50 cm to the Loddon River,” G-MW's Paul Gilchrist said.
Mr Gilchrist said GMW and VFA had worked with the Boort Angling Club, local landholders and the CFA to salvage the fish.
“It’s an opportunity for local community stakeholders, such as the local farmers and the angling club, to see G-MW does its best to complete core business activities in channel maintenance, but also care for the environment with the support and assistance of locals,” he said.
“It’s important these stakeholders understand we want to work with the environment wherever possible, and be a positive partner to the community, ensuring our water-delivery work, including maintenance programs on our irrigation channels, provide positive outcomes for all.
“Wherever possible, G-MW works with the environment, so industry and community are not compromised.
“It is sometimes a difficult balancing act as we need to maintain irrigation channels, but working with stakeholders such as the VFA, G-MW endeavours to achieve positive outcomes for all stakeholders.”
VFA chief executive officer Travis Dowling said it was a great outcome.
“Getting more cod and yellas into our rivers is fantastic for Victorian recreational fishers everywhere,” Mr Dowling said.
“Hats off to Boort Angling Club and all the volunteers who turned up to get the job done.”
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