Restoration and rehabilitation of the Cudgegong River, Mudgee

Projects, Habitat, Macquarie River
Cudgegong River restoration weed workshop

OzFish, together with local partners, is leading an ambitious restoration project along the Cudgegong River and Lawson Creek.

The goal? To create healthier waterways for native fish and aquatic wildlife while boosting the region’s biodiversity and supporting the local recreational fishery.

This project brings together the expertise of OzFish and the grassroots strength of the Watershed Landcare group, whose strong ties with local landowners ensure the work is deeply rooted in community support. NSW DPIRD Fisheries will help shape strategies that balance conservation goals with long-term sustainability for native fish populations and recreational fishing.

Hands-on action: Planting, weeding, and fish stocking

Through six volunteer-driven events, the project will plant 2,000 native plants across three kilometres of riverbanks along the Cudgegong River and Lawson Creek. These new plants will strengthen the riparian zones, stabilise banks, and improve water quality for fish and wildlife.

The project also includes a dedicated weed control workshop to teach best-practice methods for tackling invasive willows, a major threat to native ecosystems. Beyond habitat repair, the project will also stock native fingerlings of Murray cod and Golden perch in Burrendong Dam, helping replenish fish populations for future generations.

  • Cudgegong River restoration weed workshop
  • Cudgegong River restoration weed workshop

Why it matters: A home for threatened fish

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys along these waterways have confirmed the presence of iconic and threatened species including Murray cod, golden perch, eel-tailed catfish, and river blackfish. Historically, critically endangered fish like Macquarie perch and Trout cod also called this region home.

Restoring the river’s riparian corridors will improve the habitat for these species, increase biodiversity, and make the waterways more resilient to environmental pressures like erosion, weed invasion, and drought.

  • Cudgegong River restoration weed workshop
  • Cudgegong River restoration weed workshop

Stewardship in action

With the combined power of community involvement, scientific guidance, and dedicated stewardship, this project is setting the stage for a healthier Cudgegong River and Lawson Creek. By restoring habitat, removing invasive weeds, and enhancing fish populations, the project is creating long-lasting ecological and recreational benefits for the region.

The project is part of OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW, with funding support from Recreational Fishing Trusts and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.