1. Native Fish Recovery

Jobs, tourism and great environmental outcomes will continue to flow from the Native Fish Recovery Plan.

The aim is to make every drop of water count twice – by using consumptive and environmental flows to grow native fish populations.   

This program is already seeing results in parts of the Gunbower and Lower Loddon catchment, and by continuing to improve flows, restore habitat and make water delivery more fish friendly, a thriving native fishery will develop.   

Creating a world-class Murray cod fishery will also improve community health and wellbeing, benefiting regional towns and local jobs by increasing recreational fishing, tourism and construction. Additional funding will continue to restore the entire target area.

Proposed actions

• Increase connectivity by removing barriers and developing or enhancing fishway infrastructure. The National Channel is the last remaining barrier.

• Restore habitat by protecting and improving riverbank vegetation, recreating deep pools and rehabilitating wetlands.

• Address threats by installing fish screens on irrigation channels and managing invasive species like carp.

• Research options to improve flows.

• Reintroduce threatened species – including six species of native fish.

• Monitor effectiveness for native fish populations and river health.

For more information contact:
North Central CMA (03) 5448 7124

The North Central CMA and our Catchment Partners Forum have developed options for you or your organisation to contribute to this exciting project including: 

  • In-kind support (such as donation of goods, services or volunteer work).
  • Strategic support (such as becoming a project partner in the delivery or planning).
  • Making a financial contribution (such as contributing to the contribution (such as contributing to the costs of project delivery).

For more information contact: North Central CMA (03) 5448 7124

Project details

$1M+

Native Species

Tourism/ Recreation

Environmental

ThemeNative species
BenefitsNative species, Tourism/ Recreation, Environmental
Lead partnerNorth Central CMA
Delivery PartnerGannawarra Shire, Campaspe Shire, Loddon Shire, DEECA, Goulburn Murray Water, VEWH
StakeholdersVictorian Fisheries Authority, VRFish, Victorian Environmental water Holder, recreational fishers, irrigators, landholders, Traditional Owners, Regional Development Australia (RDA) and Regional Development Victoria (RDV)
StatusIn delivery phase, with potential to be upscaled
LocationGunbower and Lower Loddon Basin
Investment$1M+
UN Sustainable Development Goals3. Good Health and wellbeing, 6. Clean Water and Sanitation, 8. Decent work and economic growth, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 12. Responsible consumption and production, 13. Climate Action, 14. Life below water, 17. Partnerships for the goals