More fish thanks to weir removal

Note: This content is stored on an archive website and may not be current or accurate. Contact us to clarify.

A disused road crossing on Duck Creek near Wollongong, which was preventing local fish from swimming upstream, has been removed in a joint project funded by the Environmental Trust, World Wildlife Fund Australia and TXU Australia Pty Ltd.

Duck Creek is a tributary of Lake Illawarra and is frequented by recreational anglers. The removal of this structure has reinstated free fish passage to an additional 5 km of freshwater habitat.

According to Craig Copeland, NSW Department of Primary Industries Manager Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation, the creek will now support increased fish numbers and natural migration will continue.

“To everyone’s delight native fish species were observed moving upstream through the newly opened fish passage,” said Mr Copeland.

TXU Australia, which purchased Tallawarra from the NSW Government in February 2003, has plans to develop a 400MW environmentally friendly gas turbine power station on the site, where the weir was situated.

Overall the company will invest $325 million in major works to develop the Tallawarra site.

TXU Australia also plans to conserve wetlands and re-develop the Lake Illawarra foreshore to include walk and cycle paths, picnic and public facilities, as part of the site development.

DPI’s Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation team managed this project.

MEDIA CONTACT: KRISTINA RESANCEFF