The NSW Government has launched the NSW Diversion Screening Strategy to guide implementation of modern fish-protection screens to benefit native fish, fishing and farms.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Freshwater Fisheries & Threatened Species Cameron Lay said the NSW Diversion Screening Strategy provided a plan to drive uptake of modern fish screens across the State.
"Over 10,000 water pumps across NSW are either unscreened or fitted with outdated 'trash racks' impacting millions of native fish annually and costing farmers money, due to blockages and damage caused by debris," Mr Lay said.
"The NSW Diversion Screening Strategy is a blueprint to increase the adoption of modern screens at 111 of the largest-volume diversions as future investment opportunities to benefit regional NSW ecosystems and economies.
"These sites account for 60 per cent of all water diverted in NSW and screening them would protect an estimated 8.8 million native fish each year and generate more than $1.5 billion in public benefits through improved native fish populations.
"The Strategy proposes actions to address stakeholder barriers to adoption, to encourage private sector investment, and to deliver additional screening.
"Based on over 10-years of research and development by NSW DPIRD Fisheries, water users can be confident the screening technology will work for any type or size of diversion."
Modern fish-protection screens are proven to protect 90 per cent of native fish and reduce the intake of debris, sticks, leaves and gumnuts. Importantly, screening technology reduces the speed of water entering a diversion without affecting the volume of water that can be accessed.
"The NSW Diversion Screening Strategy is a win for water users and for the environment, with modern fish-protection screens complementing the NSW Government's commitment to restore rivers in NSW by keeping native fish in our waterways where they belong," Mr Lay said.
"Private water users also benefit from screening, as the technology saves them time and money by reducing the amount of maintenance their pumps need.
"We know water underpins the profitability of agriculture, so it's important that best practices like screening are integrated by these industries."
On the Macquarie-Wambuul River, the Narromine Irrigation Scheme (NIS) is an example of modern fish-protection screens saving farmers time, money and native fish.
Narromine Irrigation Scheme Manager Craig Burke said NIS screens can supply up to 580 megalitres per day of debris-free water to scheme members, while also protecting more than 182,000 native fish every year.
"Our members rely on a consistent supply of clean water to maximise productivity and having these screens on our four pumps mean reduced costs to the scheme through reduced backflushing, blockages, operating and maintenance," Mr Burke said.
"These screens have made a big difference because they can be retracted for easy inspection and maintenance. This is a lot easier than our old system, which was constantly getting clogged with debris.
"We're proud to be part of this valley leading adoption of screening as best practice for water access. That means more fish in our river for fishing and the environment."
The Strategy was prepared by NSW DPIRD Fisheries and delivers on a commitment under the NSW Water Strategy.
A copy of the NSW Diversion Screening Strategy is available on the DPIRD website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/fishing/fish-passage-nsw/fish-screening2
