Koondrook fishway recognised at national awards

North Central Catchment Management Authority led the fishway project, which Goulburn-Murray Water designed and built, in partnership with S&R Engineering and Construction.

The project was funded by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.

The Koondrook Weir was a barrier to fish migration between the creek and the Murray River for more than a century.

The fishway, along with the Cohuna fishway, connects 140km of habitat in the creek with hundreds of kilometres of the river.

North Central CMA major projects executive manager Tim Shanahan said the key to the fishway’s design was its innovative nested dual chamber.

“Gunbower Creek is a key part of the Torrumbarry irrigation system, which means there can be significant differences in water levels either side of the weir,” Mr Shanahan said.

“The challenge was to design a fishway that would enable fish of different sizes to safely travel upstream to new feeding and breeding habitats.

“It allows for fish movement during high flow events, when fish are on the move the most, as well as during low flows.”

Species most helped by the fishway are Murray cod, silver perch, golden perch, Murray hardyhead and western carp gudgeon.

Another reason for fish to migrate was to escape low oxygen levels in the water.

G-MW infrastructure delivery services general manager Warren Jose said he was pleased to see the project receiving industry recognition.

“It is great for our staff to see their work recognised by industry peers,” Mr Jose said.

“The benefits to the environment and the local area are what we are most proud of, but we are also very appreciative of the awards recognition.”

The fishway is part of the North Central CMA’s native fish recovery plan, which aims to create a world-class native fishery in the region.