Draft listing of the Lachlan River lower catchment as endangered

The community is being asked to comment on a proposal by the independent Fisheries Scientific Committee, to list the aquatic ecological community of the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Lachlan River as endangered.

The Committee's chair, Dr Pat Dixon, said the proposed listing followed changes in the health of the area's aquatic ecology.
"The listing would help community efforts to encourage the long-term conservation of this aquatic area," she said.

"It includes all the tributaries of the Lachlan River system below the major weirs and dams on the western slopes of the great dividing range.

"Species covered by the proposed listing include fish, water scuds, water fleas, copepods, water beetles, shrimps, dragonflies, caddis flies, midges, snails, sponges, worms and rotifers. It does not include mammals, reptiles or birds."

Dr Dixon said the Committee is inviting the community to have a say before a final decision on the listing is made. Submissions should address scientific issues about the status of the aquatic community.

The Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, reassured water users that the listing would not affect fishing, routine agricultural practises or irrigation.

The proposed listing excludes storage dams and irrigation canals.
"The main purpose of this proposal is to clarify the scientific status of the aquatic ecological community of the Lachlan River's lower catchment," Mr Dunn said.

NSW Fisheries will work with the community to prepare a recovery plan if the proposed listing proceeds. Already many government programs aimed at improving the ecological health of the area are underway.

Examples include a State Fishway Program, the Murray Darling Basin Commission's Native Fish Strategy and the NSW Salinity Strategy to name but a few. A recovery plan will coordinate these programs to assist the health of the Lachlan River system to improve.

Copies of the proposal are available from NSW Fisheries offices or on the website. Submissions on the proposed listing can be made until 16 July 2004.

Media inquiries: Kristina Resanceff on 02 8437 4948 or 0419 185 375