Funding will support fish movement

Fish within the mid Broken River system will soon benefit through the modification of a number of in-stream barriers on the Broken River, upstream and downstream of Benalla and Hollands Creek, at Emu Bridge, over the next few months.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Strategic River Health Manager Wayne Tennant said the CMA would modify three structures - a culvert crossing, gauging station and historic water extraction site - that currently prevented fish migration in the Broken system.

"Modification of these barriers will complement the modification of Casey's Weir, Lake Benalla Weir and Hollands Creek Weir, which was removed as part of the Lake Mokoan Decommissioning, and facilitate open movement of native fish to a large part of the Broken River and Hollands Creek systems," Mr Tennant said.

"These barriers were identified as priorities as part of the CMA's priority barrier review and also recognised by the local Tatong Angling Club as key threats to fish in the local region."

Tatong Angling Club President Noel O'Connor said the three structures had impacted on fish movement to a lesser or greater degree.

"It is great to see the Goulburn Broken CMA continuing to work towards removing impediments to fish passage within the Broken River and its tributaries," Mr O'Connor said.

"Native fish need to be able to move freely at times of spawning and especially during droughts and times of low water flows. Removing barriers or installing ladders on weirs will enable fish to move up-stream, to areas where they may have under natural conditions."

The program has been supported by Fisheries Victoria, through the Recreational Fishing Licence initiative and the State Healthy Waterways program.

The initiative is part of a recent funding announcement by Member for Benalla Bill Sykes regarding other work along the Broken to assist fish movement.

For more information, phone the Goulburn Broken CMA on 5820 1100 or visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au