11 October 2024
Merrigum’s Dunyak Moira community fishing lakes is celebrating a reel-y big milestone this week, after hooking in hundreds of anglers in its first 12 months of operation.
The fishing lakes, transformed from water storage lagoons at the Merrigum Water Treatment Plant that had been empty for 20 years, are now a community space for local residents and visitors.
The catch-and-release-only lakes are now home to hundreds of Murray Cod and Yellow Perch of all sizes, including several 1.2m-plus ‘monster’ sized cod.
Over the past two seasons, the Murray Cod have also been successfully breeding in another win for the site, which means more fish to catch and a self-sustaining environment.
Dunyak Moira was officially opened a year ago today on October 11, 2023 and has welcomed more than 500 people through the gates, many who are regulars looking to land a massive Murray Cod or others using the lakes as a walking path.
It’s open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 7am to 8pm during daylight saving hours.
Dunyak Moira is managed by a committee from the Merrigum community, Goulburn Valley Water and the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club. The committee is currently working on completing works for an accessible fishing pontoon supported by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Recreational Values program, as well as looking at options for future amenities and potential community events.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Steve Capewell said as a Dunyak Moira had evolved into much more than just a fishing lake, becoming a recreational space for locals and a hub for sustainability and biodiversity.
Duck nesting boxes on the lakes have seen 48 clutches hatch, while about 8000 shrubs, small trees and aquatic species have been planted to revegetate the lakes, banks and surrounding areas on the site.
“Dunyak Moira is testament to what you can achieve when you look outside the box at opportunities for retired public infrastructure, and this is something unique and special for the Merrigum community,” Dr Capewell said.
“It’s fantastic to see the lakes continue to be enjoyed by so many over the past 12 months, and as we hit this milestone we look forward to seeing how it continues to grow and develop.
“The lakes are managed by a group of community volunteers, who are a really important part of helping keep them open for all to enjoy at no cost, so we really appreciate the time and energy they put into Dunyak Moira.
“If you haven’t had a chance to get there yet to drop in a line or just have a look around, make sure it’s on the list for your next day out.”
Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club president Corey Walker congratulated all involved in the project, with a special mention to the Merrigum community and Dunyak Moira committee of management.
“It’s been a great success with many community members enjoying the benefits of recreational fishing activities, following the hard work of GV Water and the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club to have a shared vision to create and establish an ecosystem for native fish populations,” he said.
“Dunyak Moira will create many other opportunities to explore with other environmental agencies to provide a safe haven for native fish species that are threatened in our waterways.
“As a club, we are looking at how we can enhance Dunyak Moira with fish habitat and structure to support our shared vision for the site.”
You can find more information at gvwater.vic.gov.au/dunyak-moira