Dunyak Moira (meaning fishing lake in Yorta Yorta language) is the result of a partnership between Goulburn Valley Water and Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club to transform unused water storages at the Merrigum Water Treatment Plant (WTP) into community fishing lakes.  The WTP was downscaled in 1980 when a trunk main connected Merrigum to the Kyabram water system.  This created a large open space including two redundant raw water storages of 12.5ML and 50ML.  GVW since 2017 has engaged with traditional owners, local community and businesses throughout the implementation of this project. This has resulted in flow on benefits, beyond what was originally envisaged, and influenced improvements in local land-use.

The Dunyak Moira project provides two fresh water ponds home to 100 advanced native fish for catch and release and recreational space including revegetation gardens, carpark, walking track and bridge. This is a home for Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club (BIFC) and a tourism draw card for the local community to use and co-manage. BIFC have participated in all stages of design, construction, public consultation and launch. Contributions include enhancing design, leading public consultation and promotion, particularly to Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and Bush Fire Recovery Victoria (BRV). Direct results include installation of massive root balls for fish habitat, stocking with ‘trophy’ size native fish and development of community supported operating rules and committee management.

This project has also been supported with in-kind investigation, design and materials from local consultants, contractors and GVW staff. The project team has grown from GVW and BIFC to include adjoining landowners and Merrigum community leaders, as the project nears launch as a recreational space for the broader community.

The project was officially opened in October 2023.

Come along for some breakfast and a tour of the facility and maybe even pack your fishing rod and try your luck at trying to catch something!

VENUE: Dunyak Moira at 104-108 Morrissey Street, Merrigum (map), site of the Merrigum Water Treatment Plant

DATE & TIME: from 7am – 8am, Friday 19 April 2024

COST: $10 includes breakfast – egg & bacon rolls, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Please advise dietary requirements in the Checkout: Additional Information – Order Notes.

RSVP: 4pm, Wednesday 17 April 2024 RSVP now

We look forward to seeing you there.

Regards

IN-GV Committee