AWMA custom designed a fishway control gate for this $4.5 million Queensland Government-funded environmental project.
Extensive consultation was carried out with SunWater, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the fishway achieved its environmental objectives.
SunWater, DPI&F and EPA worked together from the early planning stages right through to construction and this collaboration continues through the on-going fish monitoring program in place at the weir. DPI&F research on fishways already operating on the Burnett River show up to 20 different species regularly use them, including lungfish, yellowbelly, mullet, bass and bream.
The fishway works on the same principle as the boat locks used on the Murray River, which lift or lower water levels to enable boats to continue their journey. On a similar basis, this fishway has a lock chamber where water levels are raised and lowered so fish can continue their up or downstream journey.
This important project was delivered with no disruption to downstream water users.
The Queensland Government funded the project through its reinvestment of its SunWater dividend.
For more information
Client: SunWater
Asset Owner: SunWater, QLD
Project Value: $4.5 Million
