CANBERRAN recreational fishers eager to play a hands on role to support the restoration of fish habitat to the Murrumbidgee River have been given a significant boost.
OzFish Unlimited, has today announced its first ACT chapter, as part of its continued growth across Australia. The OzFish Murrumbidgee ACT Chapter joins more than 50 others local Chapters who are making a positive difference to their local waterways.
The OzFish Murrumbidgee ACT Chapter has been set up in collaboration with the Ginninderry Conservation Trust Volunteers will look after a stretch of the Murrumbidgee from below Shepherds Lookout west of Belconnen to the inflow of Ginninderra Creek, across the border in New South Wales.
The stretch faces several challenges, including pressures from residential development, invasive species, weeds and a fragmented riparian zone, silting, erosion, and pollution not to mention impact from flood, bushfire, and drought.
Tyson Powell, president of the newly established OzFish Murrumbidgee ACT Chapter, is looking forward to delivering positive benefits the local chapter can bring.
“It’s great to have our first OzFish Chapter in the ACT because we’ve seen the work they’ve been delivering elsewhere in recent years and believe it can make a real difference here in the ACT too,” Powell said.
“The area covers several hard to access fishing spots that have been popular with die-hard fishos for years. The new Chapter will give the community an opportunity to understand and directly contribute to conservation so future generations can enjoy the waterway.
“With a significant amount of new housing planned for the surrounding area; we want to develop a sustainable fishing culture among the growing number of people moving here.
“Many hands make light work, so we’re keen to hear from as many local fishers and community members keen to get their hands dirty in the name of improving habitat,” said Tyson.
The new chapter will be holding their first event on April 5 in the form of a fish-focused forum, which will see experts talk to the community on a range of issues, including how land use affects water quality and what we can do to help our threatened native fish.
Events like these are designed to bring people together while educating locals on what environmental impacts are threatening their local ecosystems. The event will be a free and tickets will be available in early March via www.ozfish.org.au.
OzFish is committed to delivering projects that create tangible and sustainable results for Australia’s waterways and native fish. It has delivered improvements on more than 190 waterways across the country, and is responsible for several leading conservation programs including Australia’s largest community-led seagrass and shellfish restoration initiatives along Australia’s coastlines.
The Chapter is on the lookout for volunteers and active members if this sounds like something you are interested in, become a member of OzFish or get in touch at 1800 431 308.
