Barham Lakes Project

About this project
This combined community project funded by
CluBarham aims to restore and enhance the habitat of the Barham lakes complex. The project consists of 5 stages, with the project team currently working through stage 1 of 5.
This first stage of rehabilitation stage aims to establish a threatened native small-bodied fish nursery and refuge site at the old swimming area. Targeted small-bodied native fish include endangered southern pygmy perch and purple spotted gudgeon.
Our role is to provide project management experience and bring together a cross-sectional community taskforce.
December 2024 Update - Spring has sprung!
Whilst we're melting in this recent warm weather, our wetland plants are booming!
Vegetation planted at Barham Lakes in October by students from Barham High School and Deniliquin High School has taken off in the last few weeks.
Wetland species such as Water Primrose (Ludwigia peploides subsp. Montevidensis) and Swamp Lily (Ottelia ovalifolia subsp. Ovalifolia) have shown significant growth during the last month. We look forward to seeing what other species pop up over summer.
This new growth is enhancing our Native Small-Bodied Fish nursery, and we hope the Purple Spotted Gudgeon's released in May are loving it!
Currently in Stage 2 of 5
Our goal is to establish a threatened native small-bodied fish nursery and refuge site
Combined community project between WMLIG and six clubs/organisations
We provide project management experience and on-ground coordination of cross-community organisations
1000 Southern Purple-Spotted Gudgeon fingerlings released May 2024
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Barham Lakes Precinct map
About the Barham Lakes
The Barham Lakes complex is a 15ha site consisting of four man-made lakes originally constructed by CluBarham during the 1980’s and was initially stocked with native fish species including Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch and catfish.
The complex lies adjacent to the Murray River and Eagle Creek cutting and is situated approximately 1km from Barham township.
Up until approximately 2018, Barham Lakes complex was an area of public access for recreational fishing and 4km of walking tracks.
Given its proximity to the Murray River and Eagle Creek, Barham Lakes Complex has been identified as an important ecological site using environmental and consumptive water to develop threatened native fish breeding areas.

Local School Involvement
The CluBarham Lakes project is a community project building an ongoing partnership with several community groups including Barham High School.
During the pilot stage or stage 1 of the project, Students from years 7, 9, 10 and 11 are assisting in revegetation and rehabilitation of the old 'swimming hole' into a threatened small-bodied native fish nursery.
Student participation is being aligned with NSW Science Curriculum.
Barham High School students will continue to help with revegetation works throughout the project life under the supervision of Barham Landcare volunteers.
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