Fish will be able to swim up and downstream from Mollee Weir on the Namoi River in the near future, thanks to a new fish passage to be installed at the weir.
Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries has announced that a construction contract had been let for the $18 million Keepit Dam safety upgrade with fish passage program included as an environmental offset required as part of the upgrade works.
The Mollee Weir project involves construction of a new fish lock and regulator structure as well as other minor works,” Mr Humphries said.
“The contract also includes automation of the regulator and fishway gates, establishment of a new control room and minor repairs to the weir.”
State Water project manager Marcos Guirguis said fish locks allowed native fish to overcome the difference in river height upstream and downstream of the weirs.
“Essentially the structure allows native fish downstream of the weir to swim into a chamber which becomes sealed and fills with water enabling the fish to swim out upstream,” he said.
“When we conduct modifications to the dams such as the dam safety upgrade program we are required to provide fish passage as an environmental offset.”
Once completed the Keepit offset fish passage program will give native fish access to an additional 275km of the Namoi River.
“Over time fish passage will help to improve the health of the river as well as native fish stocks,” said Mr Guirguis. “We anticipate the benefits will be felt by communities both upstream and downstream of the weir.
Construction is expected to start soon and be finished next year.