Creating a lasting legacy for the Merrigum community
Dunyak Moira was developed as part of a vision to transform unused water storage reservoirs at the Merrigum Water Treatment Plant into community spaces.
The site’s 12.5 megalitre and 50 megalitre reservoirs had remained empty for two decades after the water supply system was changed to a piped system from the nearby Kyabram Water Treatment Plant.
In partnership with the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club, Goulburn Valley Water began work to create outdoor spaces for recreation to benefit the community, and bring new life to previously unused assets.
In 2021, work began to prepare the two reservoirs to be filled for the first time in more than 20 years.
In early 2022, they were refilled for the first time, creating a water refuge for ducks and other wildlife. Later that year, they became home to dozens of large native fish, which had been relocated from local channels and lakes. There are about 100 large, advanced native fish - Murray cod and golden perch, with cod fingerlings also sighted in the lagoons. There are even two massive Murray cod, at least 1.2m and 1.1m long.
As part of the project, the site was transformed into a community space with bench seats, carpark, fishing pontoons and more. We also plan to add more things to the site in the near future, including a water fountain.
Highlights from the site’s redevelopment:
- Created fish hotels by repurposing concrete pipes and rootballs from storm-damaged trees
- Installed duck nesting boxes to provide ideal over-water breeding conditions
- Rehabilitated the lagoon banks to create wildlife sanctuaries, including a wetland area
- Installed fishing pontoons on the Burnanga reservoir made from recycled materials
- Relocated dozens of native fish into our reservoirs from de-watered channels and lakes
- Planted 15,000 native trees, shrubs and aquatic plants to provide shade and create wildlife habitats around the reservoirs