A program launched in NSW this week aims to give local councils the inside tips on how to be more “fish friendly”.
NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan said the Fish Friendly Councils Program would encourage local councils to play a greater role in native fish conservation and also help recognise those councils doing good work for fish without knowing it.
“NSW native freshwater fish are in decline and councils play an important role in restoring fish habitat and encouraging native fish to return to the rivers and creeks, “ said Whan.
“Local councils have a wide range of responsibilities that affect the health of local waterwaysand many councils already do great things for our native fish through sewer and storm water management without realising it,” he said.
The Fish Friendly Councils Program was developed by I&I NSW in conjunction with the Local Government and Shires Associations of New South Wales. The first part of the program will be the distribution to 152 local councils of the 10 Top Tips for Fish Friendly Councils brochure supported by a web page on the I&I NSW website.
The program aims to help Fish Friendly Councils assist local government to:
- Better understand native fish in their area, their habitat needs and conditions.
- Understand the contribution of recreational fishing/tourism to local economies.
- Identify threats to fish habitat in their area and deliver fish friendly solutions.
- Build on existing waterway management programs (e.g. road crossing maintenance and replacement) to incorporate positive outcomes for aquatic habitat.
- Assist community groups who are working on fish habitat.
- Promote their fish friendly activities to their communities.