Work to be done between Brewarrina and Bourke on the Barwon-Darling River

The Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Unit of the Department of Primary Industries has completed a two week survey which will assist in identifying sections of the Barwon River between Bourke and Brewarrina which are in need of repair.

The three-year project, which is being funded by the Western Catchment Management Authority, will develop a demonstration reach.

A demonstration reach refers to a particular section of river which has been identified as requiring on-ground works that enhance native fish habitat. When completed, these rehabilitation and protection works will showcase to the community what is required to ensure the long-term sustainability of native fish stocks in freshwater rivers.

DPI Conservation Manager, Sam Davis said the two-week survey, or phase one, mapped large woody habitat (snags) and river bank vegetation between Bourke and Brewarrina.

“The snags, which are important native fish habitat, have been mapped by documenting specific details of their abundance, complexity and the position in which they lie within the river channel.

“The density, condition and health of trees, shrubs, grasses, reeds, water plants and groundcover along the river bank have also been recorded,” Ms Davis said.

Once an important trade route for river boats, in the past the Barwon-Darling River had thousands of tonnes of snags removed for ease of navigation.

“Over the next two and a half years DPI staff, with the help of a community based project steering committee, will use the survey data to determine which sites require immediate work and which will require work in the longer term. This could include strategic resnagging of the river channel, protection and restoration of river-side vegetation and the removal of weeds. It would also assist landholders to fence river country and adopt more fish friendly stock management practices.

“Throughout the project, DPI will collaborate and consult with landholders, recreational fishers, local communities, indigenous representatives and the Bourke and Brewarrina Councils,” Ms Davis said.

Landholders, recreational fishers and members of the community who would like to assist should contact David Cordina, Conservation Manager, DPI Bourke 02 6872 2077.