WORK NEEDED TO IMPROVE DIGHTS FALLS WEIR AND FISHWAY
24 September 2004
An investigation into the heritage-listed Dights Falls weir in Abbotsford has found that improvement works are needed to ensure its long-term operation.
The recent assessment of the weir was done as part of a study into the effectiveness of the fishway, installed at the weir 10 years ago, to allow fish to move upstream.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment recommended modifications to improve the operation of the fishway. Further investigations undertaken by Melbourne Water also found work was needed to improve the condition of the weir. The weir controls the level of the Yarra River upstream of Dights Falls.
Melbourne Water Acting Managing Director Grant Wilson said the timber, rock and concrete weir was in poor condition and work was needed to ensure it operated well into the future.
"It may take up to 18 months for further investigations, community consultation, design and construction of improvement works to occur," Mr Wilson said.
The original Dights Falls weir was constructed in the 1850s to provide water to a nearby mill which existed at the time. There is also evidence that the area has Aboriginal significance.
Mr Wilson said these factors and the community's extensive use and appreciation of the area surrounding the weir would be taken into consideration when deciding options for remediation.
Fishways are constructed by creating a series of pools and small steps with rocks. The fish are able to move to the other side of a barrier by swimming into the small pools, resting and then swimming up or down the step into the next pool.
Since 1999, Melbourne Water has reconnected more than 230 kilometres of rivers and creeks through the construction of 20 fishways. Native species that benefit from fishways included the Short-finned Eel, Tupong, Short-headed Lamprey, Australian Grayling, Common Galaxias, Broad-finned Galaxias and Spotted Galaxias.