Securing Cooma’s water supply and making life easier for fish
Published on 04 March 2022
Council is replacing the weir that has been supplying Cooma’s fresh water since the 1960s. This major infrastructure project will guarantee Cooma’s water supply for the long-term, improving water quality and allowing natural migratory movement, through installation of a new fishway, of fish and other aquatic animals in the Murrumbidgee River. The original fishway was built in the 1990s.
The current weir and fishway have been repeatedly and severely damaged by wild weather over their many years of service, and it’s not financially or practically viable to continue repairing the old structure. Without taking action to replace this ageing infrastructure, there is a serious risk that Cooma could lose access to a large proportion of its fresh water supply in the event of a major flood.
Council has produced a full design package for the full replacement of the weir and fishway that will safeguard water supply security and provide increased water quality for Cooma, while simultaneously enhancing the migration of native fish species during low flow periods for the long-term.
As a part of the project there will also be major upgrades and refurbishment of the popular Murrumbidgee Reserve adjacent to the weir and water treatment plant. The installation of a walkway along the fishway will provide access for research groups, schools and visitors. Park amenities will also receive an upgrade during the final stage of the project to ensure this year-round recreation space remains welcoming for locals and visitors alike, all of which will be reopened to the public before next summer.
Work is set to begin in May 2022 and will require the closure of the park and reserve during construction. Current plans will see construction completed and Murrumbidgee Reserve reopened by October 2022, in time for the spring fish breeding season.
We’re seeking community feedback on the design aesthetics of the fishway and have a survey live now on our YourSay page or you can visit the Cooma Weir site to see examples of the proposed concrete plinth colours.
Please visit https://yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au/cooma-weir-and-fishway-replacement by Sunday 17 April 2022 to let us know what you think.