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Melbourne Nov 26 (TIE)The Andrews Labor Government is reviving the native fish population in the Maribyrnong River, installing 32 new fish habitats from Avondale Heights to the Flemington Racecourse. Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the habitats would create an exciting new recreational fishery for suburban anglers and improve river health while complementing the significant fish stockings in the river.
Funded by recreational fishing licence fees, the Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria Planand Melbourne Water, the structures are part of a broader commitment to boost native fish numbers, improve fish habitat and recreational fishing access along the river.
Structures made from repurposed felled timber and concrete were built with the help of prisoners at Hopkins Correctional Centre, in addition to hundreds of tonnes of rock donated by the Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre Project for use on the habitats.
The habitats will be home to some of the 200,000 estuary perch already stocked in the Maribyrnong River since 2018. A further 100,000 estuary perch will be stocked this summer, completing a commitment to place 300,000 of the popular sports fish into the waterway.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority is managing the project in collaboration with Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Moonee Valley City Council, City of Melbourne, VicForests, VRFish, Melbourne Anglers Association, and John Holland.
