Fishway program

Types of fish ways

There are a range of types of fish passages being considered as part of the program including:

• Rock ramps - rock ramps are nature-like fishways providing passage and aquatic habitat through a simulated natural stream environment that contains pools, runs, riffles and rapids.
• Vertical slot fishways - vertical slot fishways are concrete channels extending from the top of the weir to the base. There is vertical slot to move water to the downstream pool. This creates a series of pools and small steps to enable fish to swim through.
• Fish locks - Fish locks are used to move fish over barriers between about five to 15 metres high. They include gates at the entrance, a holding chamber and gates at the exit. Fish locks attract fish into the holding chamber and when the exit gate opens the fish move from the chamber upstream.  of the barrier.

General information on fishways in NSW.

Assessing fish passage options

Barriers to fish passage must be considered when identifying the fish way type. Barriers can prevent the migration of native fish species and can have serious impacts for fish populations.

We consider a range of other factors when identifying the best fish passage for the specific location. These include:

• Height of structure.
• Land ownership
• River flows
• Downstream customers
• Other users of the waterway
• Geotechnical constraints
• Marine biologists
• Heritage management
• Operations and maintenance requirements
• Engineering design
• Procurement.

Projects currently being progressed include:

Eden Creek Weir Removal

A detailed review was conducted on the Eden Creek Weir, which determined the structure as a barrier for fish passage within the system and recommended the removal of the weir.

WaterNSW is currently conducting preliminary investigations into the potential removal of Eden Creek Weir. This includes environmental and cultural heritage studies, and initial consultation with impacted residents. This project will deliver on a key action under the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy (2018-2028) (MEMS) to improve fish passage in coastal catchments and will build on the previous fish passage removal works of Cookes Weir in the Richmond River. The removal of the Eden Creek Weir will ensure an unrestricted fish passage (more than 43km) within the system, re-establishing natural sediment movement.

At this stage, once planning is completed the removal of the Eden Creek Weir could commence in 2025 (weather dependent, outside of breeding session for platypus and other key species).

Next steps for this project include:

• A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) update between September and December 2024. The update includes a review of ecological assessment due a platypus habitat in the area and endangered grass species.
• We'll be engaging with the community and stakeholders following the finalised REF about the plans.
• Proposed construction in mid-late 2025, pending the REF recommendations.

View the Eden Creek Weir Removal Fact Sheet. (PDF, 146.76 KB)

Lake Cargelligo Inlet Regulator, Lachlan Valley

Design options development work is underway to install a fish passage at the Lake Cargelligo Inlet Regulator. Work will also include the replacement of the regulator. We are working closely with nearby property owners during this stage of works. The current works will help assess the feasibility of this project and produce a business case to approve the next stage of work.

Gunidgera Weir, Namoi Valley

Design options development work is underway to install a fish passage at Gunidgera Weir. We will work closely with nearby property owners during this stage of works. The current works will help assess the feasibility of this project and produce a business case to approve the next stage of work.

Marebone Break Regulator No.1, Macquarie Valley

Design options development work is underway to install a fish passage atMarebone Break Regulator No.1. We will work closely with nearby property owners during this stage of works. The current works will help assess the feasibility of this project and produce a business case to approve the next stage of work.

Other locations

More locations will be announced when finalised in consultation with local stakeholders and we will continue to work closely with local communities, nearby property owners and interested stakeholders as works progress.

Visit this section of the project webpage for regular updates on recently identified locations and the status of each fish passage.

For general enquiries on WaterNSW’s work, please email us or call the WaterNSW Helpdesk on 1300 662 077.