The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), in partnership with Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW), has commenced construction of a fishway at Thompson Weir, between the townships of Cohuna and Gunbower, opening up 55 kilometres of unimpeded passage for native fish in Gunbower Creek.

According to Melanie Tranter, North Central CMA Gunbower Forest project manager, barriers to fish movement are one of the main issues for the native fish populations in Gunbower Creek.

“Our monitoring shows we have a good diversity of fish species, but overall fish numbers are lower than expected in Gunbower Creek, which is surprising given the good habitat the creek provides.”

Reinstating fish passage along the entire length of Gunbower Creek is a key objective identified in the Gunbower Creek Waterway Management Plan developed by the North Central CMA in conjunction with the community.

The North Central CMA has received funding for the Thompson Weir fishway project through the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country (CfoC) program.

“Thompson Weir is a rock structure, so works will focus on realigning the rock to create a pathway for native fish to move through.  Contractors will bring in rock and make use of the existing materials at the site,” said Trent Gibson, who is managing the project for the North Central CMA.

During construction trucks will be using Thompson Road to access the site, with the majority of the works being carried out in the creek reserve beside the weir, resulting in little disruption to local traffic.  Access to the boat ramp upstream of the weir will not be affected.

The North Central CMA has erected signage to advise the public of the construction and would like to remind the community to take care during this time.  G-MW is working with Coliban Water to ensure that there are no interruptions to the Leitchville water supply during the construction phase.

The Thompson Weir fishway is expected to be finished in July, with funding for the works received from the CfoC program.   For further information contact the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.


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