Recreational boating access will be improved by realigning snags within the Campaspe River channel through to Rochester during the last week of August. 

Mrs Angela Gladman, North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Project Manager, said the works are being carried out on behalf of the Department of Environment and Primary Industries with funding from the State Government’s $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative.

“The works will focus on a four kilometre stretch of river between the Kyabram-Rochester Road Bridge and the Waranga Western Channel Siphon; a spot favoured by fishermen and recreational boat enthusiasts.  The North Central CMA is also leading a four-year, $3.73M, ‘Caring for the Campaspe’ project which aims to protect and enhance the river’s important riparian vegetation so these works tie in nicely with the overall enhancement of the river.”

Mrs Gladman confirmed there are no plans to remove snags (woody debris) from the river however realigning them will benefit recreational users whilst still providing important aquatic habitat and influencing the shape and flow dynamics of the river.

“We have identified snags down the channel centre which will be realigned along the riverbank and secured in place.  This will enable access for boats through a four metre wide channel allowing enough subsurface depth for boat propellers," said Mrs Gladman.

Mrs Gladman said Rochester residents should not be concerned that the works will impact on flood levels for the town.  “The Rochester Flood Management Plan identified that in the event of a large flood event similar to that of January 2011, snags are negligible in directing flood waters as the majority of the floodplain is inundated with most of the flow travelling outside the channel.”

For further enquiries, contact Mrs Angela Gladman on (03) 5440 1825 or email angela.gladman@nccma.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au