THE latest research indicates native fish populations are benefiting from major works undertaken in the Ovens River near Everton.

The $2.5 million Tea Garden Creek Weir project, completed in March 2023, saw the existing weir structure which impeded fish migration replaced by a full-width rock-ramp fishway to make it easier for native fish like the endangered Murray Cod, Trout Cod, and Macquarie Perch to swim freely up and down the river to spawn.

The project opened up approximately 270 km of habitat for native fish species, allowing them to make their way from the Murray River system into the Ovens River and connecting Buffalo River.

The Arthur Rylah Institute and DEECA said early fish surveys are indicating positive signs, with eight native fish species spotted in recent net surveys at the fishway and 30 endangered fish tagged to track their movements - re-affirming the project is helping restore ecological balance and support the diverse aquatic life in the Ovens River.

The project was a collaborative effort between Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) and the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), with funding from the Victorian government and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.