Walgett Shire Welcomes Decision on Fish Passage and Water Security

Published on 29 September 2025

Walgett Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver fish passage infrastructure while preserving current weir pool levels, an outcome that safeguards local water security and honours years of Council and community advocacy.

The decision follows consultation under the Northern Basin Fish Passage: Reconnecting the Northern Basin project, which aims to restore native fish migration across the Murray–Darling system. Since its inception, the project has proposed changes to weir pool levels that would have seen a reduction in the current weir heights.

For Walgett Shire, the stakes were high. Council made it clear from the outset that any reduction to the existing weir pool was unacceptable. Mayor Jasen Ramien led the charge, working relentlessly to ensure the voices of Walgett Shire residents were heard loud and clear.

Mayor Ramien said the outcome is a significant win for the Shire, protecting water security while supporting river health.

“I want to thank the Mayor of Bourke, Lachlan Ford, and his team for their tireless advocacy, as well as Roy Butler MP and his team who fought tooth and nail for our communities. I also want to acknowledge our community for standing strong, speaking up for our rights, and protecting water security across our Shire and the Murray–Darling system.”

Mayor Ramien said the decision reflects a balanced approach that benefits all stakeholders.

“This is a great outcome that will see everyone win. This issue had real consequences for our communities and our region, and we are pleased to see a solution that secures both fish passage and our water future.”

Walgett Shire Council will continue to work closely with the NSW Government, neighbouring councils, and the community to ensure that water security and environmental health remain a priority for the region.

You can read the Ministerial Media Release here.

ENDS

Contact Information
Phone: 02 6828 6100
Email: admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.walgett.nsw.gov.au
TIS National Services: 131 450

Media Contact
Sherisse Fensom
Manager Communications
Walgett Shire Council