Council Calls for Community Involvement in Fish Passage Talks
Published on 08 July 2025
Walgett Shire Council is urging the community, landholders and stakeholders to unite in protecting the region’s long-term water security, as discussions continue around proposed fish passage infrastructure and potential changes to weir operations.
Mayor Jasen Ramien has made it clear that Council won’t back down from its position, strongly opposing any reduction to the existing weir pool. This comes after recent discussions with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
“We will fight to the end. We will not accept a reduction in the weir pool or water security for the Walgett Shire.”
The NSW Government’s Northern Basin Fish Passage Program is designed to help reconnect rivers and support native fish across the Murray Darling Basin. But Council says that can’t come at the cost of the community’s access to water, cultural connection to rivers, or the long-term future of the region.
Four sites have been identified for the proposed works, including Banarway and Calmundi in the Walgett Shire, along with sites in Louth and Tilpa. Council is actively monitoring the process to ensure any decisions regarding weir operations are made with genuine community consultation and careful consideration of local impacts.
At a recent meeting, representatives from DCCEEW explained that raising the weir wall is not currently considered feasible due to environmental impacts on upstream habitat and federal funding restrictions. However, discussions are ongoing and Council is seeking a collaborative and realistic approach that protects both environmental outcomes and community wellbeing.
Mayor Ramien made it clear that standing with the community is his top priority:
“As Mayor of this Shire my role is to be the voice of this community. I will stand by our people and support the decision they make so long as it’s informed, backed by facts and in the best interest of Walgett’s long term water security.”
Council will continue working closely with DCCEEW and Government stakeholders to represent and uphold the community’s concerns throughout the process.
Another community consultation session has been requested by the Mayor in Collarenebri following the Walgett meeting scheduled for 31 July.
We encourage all community members to participate in these consultations to ensure their concerns are considered before of any final decisions are made.
ENDS