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Rare fish find ahead of Bromfield Weir removal

One of Australia’s rarest fish, the Australian Grayling, has been found in Warrnambool’s Merri River ahead of the removal of one of the most significant fish migration barriers in the waterway, the Bromfield Street weir.

The Bromfield Street weir was constructed in 1907 as part of the Merri scheme to supply town water to Warrnambool, and despite this scheme being decommissioned in 1939, the weir remained in the waterway.

The aging structure of the weir, which has become unsafe over time, has been identified as key a barrier to the natural flow of the Merri River and an impediment to fish passage in the waterway, and will therefore be removed. 

The weir removal will begin in April and is being undertaken by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (CMA) (CMA) with funding through the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment over four years (2020-2024) to improve catchment and waterway health across regional Victoria.

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An Australian Grayling found in the Merri River as part of pre-weir removal fish surveys.

Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority proudly acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Victoria and their rich cultural diversity and intrinsic connection to country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We also recognise and acknowledge the contribution, interest and rights that Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities have in land and water management. We value our partnerships with them, for the health of people and Country.