A threatened native fish is breeding successfully in Bingera Creek near Tooleybuc in the mid-Murray following a reintroduction supported by environmental water.
The southern purple spotted gudgeon was returned to the creek in late 2024 after years of environmental watering and habitat restoration created suitable conditions for its reintroduction.
Monitoring has since confirmed multiple breeding events, signalling early progress in the recovery of this small-bodied native fish.
Bingera Creek, around 7 km north of Tooleybuc, has received water for the environment through the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Private Property Wetland Watering Project since 2016. Improved habitat prompted water managers in 2023 to seek advice on whether the creek could again support threatened native fish.
With funding from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, NSW Fisheries scientists assessed the site and found suitable in-stream habitat and no pest fish species present - key requirements for a successful reintroduction.
In November 2024, 100 southern purple spotted gudgeon were collected from refuge ponds at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens in Buronga, New South Wales, and released into the creek. By February 2025, fresh recruits were detected.
'After the first group of fish survived and bred, we introduced another 419 individuals to boost genetic diversity', said Environmental Water Management Officer Mark Henderson.
Surveys in November 2025 recorded 63 southern purple spotted gudgeon across multiple age classes, confirming repeated breeding. The survey also found 38 eastern long-necked turtles, including hatchlings, demonstrating broader ecological benefits.
'This project highlights the importance of sustained environmental water delivery and strong partnerships,' Mr Henderson said.
Monitoring will continue in 2026 to track population growth and habitat condition.
'The early success at Bingera Creek demonstrates how targeted environmental water delivery, combined with science, local partnerships and careful site management, can help restore threatened native fish populations and rebuild resilient ecosystems in the Murray region,' he said.
The project was undertaken in partnership with NSW DPIRD Fisheries, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, Nature Glenelg Trust, Barkandji Rangers and Tooleybuc Farms.
