Barwon Water's East Barwon willow removal and restoration project reached a milestone recently with the installation of two fishway control structures in the river to help improve fish migration.

In these new fishways, rocks have been used to stabilise the streambed and assist fish to move through this local stretch of river.

General Manager Planning, Delivery & Environment Seamus Butcher said the new East Barwon fishways are another step forward in the restoration efforts along the East Barwon River to improve stream health and reduce flooding.

The second stage of the project, which began in November last year, follows the successful completion of the first stage in 2022, which focused on the first 3.5 kilometre-stretch of the river on Barwon Water-managed land near Forrest.

The project is remediating and stabilising the streambed and banks while removing willow trees downstream of the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel on the remaining 500 metres of Barwon Water managed land.

Seamus Butcher said the protection of the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel embankment and onstream monitoring assets will improve water flows, water quality, waterway health, and flood mitigation.

“The construction of two fishways, and a new stable meandering stream channel, will be essential to maintaining the flow path after the willows have been removed. This will support waterway health into the future.

“Through careful planning and timing of the project works we’ve minimised downstream impacts.

“An extensive environmental management plan has included the installation of silt curtains, sediment controls, weed management, and safeguards to preserve restoration.

“We’ll be keeping a close watch on the restored reach of the river with regular inspections and maintenance. This includes the revegetation of riparian buffers with native shrubs, grasses, and trees, scheduled for planting in coming months.”

For more information, visit Barwon Water's website.