The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is holding a free family fun day and carp fishing competition on the Hughes Creek in Avenel on Saturday 12th September from 10 am until 2.30 pm.
Goulburn Broken CMA River Health Officer, Christine Glassford, said the Hughes Creek “Fish Circus” is being run as part of the rehabilitation of Hughes Creek and will be an excellent opportunity for families to come along for a fun day out and learn about the significance of the Hughes Creek.
“The Hughes Creek is very important for the Endangered Macquarie perch, and we are holding this event so families can come along and try to catch a carp to help reduce the population of this pest in the creek,” Ms Glassford said.
“We will have an electrofishing demonstration with Joanne Kearns from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning’s Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI), Tim Curmi from Native Fish Australia will demonstrate how to fish for carp, and Keith Bell will show people how to prepare and cook carp, with an opportunity to taste the finished product.
“Kirsten Hogan from Waterwatch will be on hand to talk about waterbugs, Fern Hames from ARI will share information on native fish, and Graham Stockfeld from Turtles Australia will have a range of turtles from the Goulburn Broken Catchment and will show us how to tell them apart.
“Taungurung Clans representatives will demonstrate stone knapping and will have some local artefacts on display,” she said.
The fish circus will have something for everyone, and Ms Glassford said it was great to have entertainer Peter Flaherty as the MC at the event.
“Local angling club members will be on hand to offer assistance and record catches, and competition prizes will be awarded after a free BBQ lunch,” she said.
“There will be a jumping castle, the Connies, live music and face painting for the kids, and I have no doubt Peter Flaherty will keep everyone entertained, so it promises to be a fun action packed day for the whole family.”
The Hughes Creek Project is run as part of the Goulburn Broken CMA’s On-ground Works Program with funding from the Victorian Government.
The Macquarie perch was once abundant and widespread across Victoria and New South Wales but has declined dramatically since the 1970’s, with remaining populations relatively small and isolated. The species is currently listed nationally as Endangered (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) and listed as a threatened species under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Anglers are reminded that taking Macquarie perch from waterways within the Goulburn Broken Catchment is prohibited, and it is important to remember to return the fish to the waterway as soon as possible if accidentally caught.
For more information, please contact Christine Glassford at the Yea Office of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority on 5797 4400 or email christineg@gbcma.vic.gov.au.
Click on the poster for the event program
