The popular Ornamental Lakes in the heart of Mildura’s thriving riverfront precinct is taking on an additional role as a nursery for two endangered fish species from this month.
About 600 Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon and Murray River Rainbow Fish have been released into the Ornamental Lakes as part of a multi-agency effort to protect the two species.
Councillor for Environment and Sustainability Jodi Reynolds said the initiative – the Mildura Riverfront Threatened Fish Nursery – would provide a host of benefits.
“Firstly, and very importantly, it will protect two of our valuable native fish species by providing a safe, uncontaminated environment in which they can breed, very close to their natural habitat,” Cr Reynolds said.
“This is vitally important work as we know that native fish population levels are estimated to have declined by 90% since European settlement.
“However it will also provide another feature, another natural attraction for people to enjoy while taking time out along our riverfront, seeing our Ornamental Lakes full of fish.
“It will be great for children and adults alike and provide another way for visitors and locals to appreciate and learn more about our natural environment.”
Signage will be in place at the Ornamental Lakes from this week highlighting the project and providing information on the two endangered species, and restoration of native fish populations more broadly.
Council is working alongside the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Mallee Catchment Management Authority, First People of the Millewa-Mallee, NSW Department of Primary Industry – Fisheries, Ozfish and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE as part of the project.
