Approval

The 350 m realignment of Big Al’s Brook created refuge ponds with stepped sandstone walls, vegetated banks, and run habitats to support fish passage and habitat complexity. AFPS monitoring recorded 83 fish from nine species, with strong use of instream vegetation and sandstone wall voids by fish, shrimp, Macrobrachium spp., and eels. A turtle sighting further demonstrates the habitat diversity supported by the new alignment.

The Oyster Creek realignment reshaped 870 m of waterway and integrated modern fish passage and habitat features, including refuge ponds with LUNKERS, woody debris, and run habitats with cross‑vanes. AFPS monitoring has recorded strong ecological performance, with 11 fish species (11–445 mm) and eels to 1.2 m using the system. The presence of 11 mm larvae confirms effective passage, and the new habitats are supporting diverse birdlife such as pelicans, swans, and ducks.

AFPS worked with the Fitzroy Basin Association to undertake eight fish passage improvement projects in the Fitzroy Basin. Four rock ramp fishways and one cone fishway were constructed, one crossing upgraded to fish-friendly box culverts and two baffle installations were carried out in the catchment.

AFPS worked in conjunction with sunwater and GHD to progress the approval of Rookwood Weir and fishway.

AFPS undertook the installation of log ‘fish hotels’ into Yeppen Lagoon to increase the amount of fish habitat available to the fish community.

AFPS worked with the Fitzroy Basin Association to design and supervise construction of a cone fishway to complement the existing vertical slot fishway on the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton, QLD.