The project includes modification to existing weirs, installing strategically-placed rocks in the river to create fish habitat and the removal of invasive plants.

Colin Gordon from the Sofala Branch of the Central Acclimatisation Society said native trees, which provide a superior habitat, will then be planted.

“Fish passage is currently blocked by two rock weirs that are located withing the river, adjacent to the Macquarie River, Bicentennial Park,” he said.

“As part of the grant-funded project, fish passage improvements will be undertaken by removing selected rocks from a small section, approximately two metres wide, from the centre of each existing rock weir structure.

“The removed rocks will then be placed on the riverbanks, adjacent to the weirs to reinforce these areas.”

Mr Gordon said modifications to the weirs would allow fish, including threatened species such as Murray cod and trout cod, to move up and down stream.

“It will also leave the Bathurst Waterworks Weir as the only man-made barrier to fish passage between Burrendong Dam and Ben Chifley Dam, around 404 kilometres,” he said.

The works, which have already commenced, will be carried out with the assistance of Bathurst Regional Council, under the supervision of the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries).