Macquarie River OzFish Chapter
The Macquarie River Chapter of OzFish is a committed group of fishers and river-lovers dedicated to revitalising fish habitats in and around the Macquarie River. Based in the Dubbo region the group is focused on promoting sustainable fishing practices and implementing habitat restoration projects, the Chapter actively works to enhance the health and biodiversity of the Macquarie River. Through community engagement programs, fishing events and hands-on conservation efforts. To get involved, participate in their events, restoration activities, or become a member to help protect and restore the Wambuul-Macquarie’s vital aquatic habitats.
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Latest Projects Underway for the Macquarie River OzFish Chapter
Wambuul-Macquarie River NSW 2023
The Wambuul Macquarie River has become heavily degraded thanks to floods, erosion, and rubbish. Thanks to funding from the Central West Local Land Services, the community has come together to breathe new life into the riparian zones of Wellington and Dubbo. It has also been supported by OzFish, who worked with volunteers from Western Paddlers, NSW, and Dubbo Rivercare to ensure this project could heal the river's ecosystem.
Inland Fishers Tackle Litter
OzFish is tackling the litter problem in the Wambuul Macquarie River, starting with building a business case for litter prevention projects in the area. This will provide an understanding of the extent of the litter problem – how much litter is entering the river, from where, and why – enabling us to work with others in the community to implement effective litter prevention programs.
Dubbo River Repair Bus
OzFish River Repair Bus is used to transport work for the dole participants and tools to and from the river bank to undertake habitat restoration activities such as riparian plantings and river clean-ups around the Macquarie River in Dubbo. Participants typically spend three days a week working along a 40 km stretch of the Macquarie River. Teams focus on removing rubbish, planting native trees and eradicating invasive weeds along the river banks.
Fish Dreaming – Murray Darling Basin
Restoring Cultural Fishing Places and Spirit OzFish recognises that First Nations people have lost many of the places that were most significant to them for fishing, for their spiritual connection to Country and for food sources. OzFish sets out to restore these places alongside First Nations groups, including habitat, fish traps, songlines, meeting places, yarning...
Macquarie River, NSW
To improve habitat and establish refuge wetlands for Olive Perchlet, a threatened species, by planting native trees, removing woody weeds, removing pest fish species, rubbish removal, and translocation of native aquatic vegetation.
Oolong Creek, NSW
Efforts to control woody weeds along Oolong Creek include mapping the area to identify high-value habitats and barriers. Methods are being developed to improve in-stream habitats by translocating aquatic plants with habitat rafts. Additionally, collaboration with DPI Fisheries aims to move southern pygmy perch to new suitable areas upstream.
Tackle Loop
Tackle Loop is OzFish’s solution to provide a home for recreational fishers’ old, unwanted, and broken gear. Working with our partners, we will take in old and discarded gear before ensuring it is recycled instead of polluting Australia’s waterways or ending up in landfill.
Events coming up for the Macquarie River OzFish Chapter
Forbes Carp Muster – NSW
Celebrate Clean Up Australia Day fishing on the river! Our natives are at risk from invasive European Carp, so it’s time to band together and remove these destructive bottom feeders...
Latest News for the Macquarie River OzFish Chapter
Fish Dreaming: Cultural knowledge and dedicated fishos putting lost fish back on the map in the Basin
On Wiradjuri County, OzFish is working with traditional owners, Wiradjuri Cultural and Environmental Rangers, and Boys to the Bush, a local Indigenous youth program, to return a fish long forgotten by most. By restoring the critical habitats in the last...
Maintaining the flow of the South Dubbo Weir Fishway
Throughout the Murray Darling Basin, there are over 5000 barriers to fish passage, ranging from ordinary town weirs and level crossings to enormous dams forming reservoirs. Despite this vast network of barriers, only around 150 fish passages exist, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and improvement.
Reflections Holidays launches fish sustainability program with OzFish
Reflections Holidays have partnered with OzFish to help recreational anglers and communities improve the health of their rivers, lakes and estuaries. The partnership will identify projects that will improve fish habitats on Reflections Holidays parks across NSW.
Join the Macquarie River OzFish Chapter today
Our supporters make us stronger, ensuring we have the financial resources and engaged advocates across the region to increase our impact every year.
We welcome members from all walks of life to make local fishing healthy, vibrant, and more productive. Starting at $15, there is a membership for everyone.