Environmental water flows underway in Cudgegong River

Cudgegong River is being supported with environmental water flows ahead of the upcoming native fish breeding season.

The release of up to 6,000 ML of water for the environment will benefit the Cudgegong River from Windamere Dam to Burrendong Dam, creating additional habitat for fish to use over the warmer breeding months.

The initial 2-week river pulse began in mid-October and will be followed by smaller daily releases of up to 80 ML/day over summer, which will help a range of river nesting native fish such as the Murray cod, freshwater catfish and river blackfish.

The water release by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) will also assist smaller bodied native species such as flathead gudgeon and purple spotted gudgeon.

Find out more about the vital role environmental water plays in improving the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains online.

Quotes attributed to NSW DCCEEW Senior Wetland and Rivers Conservation Officer Tim Hosking

'The Mudgee community may notice a rise in water levels as the environmental flows are released to help native fish breeding.

'These important flows help fish spawn, develop and move along the river.

'The water pulse will also help improve the productivity of the river for other species, including platypus, rakali, turtles and waterbirds.'