Latest Mackay Seaport News

Fish friendly bridge nears completion

Originally published on 2nd November 2006

A new “fish-friendly” bridge will give barramundi improved opportunities to spawn in the Mackay Port Authority’s conservation areas.

The $1.9 million project on Harbour Road near the entrance to the city’s seaport is on target to be completed by Christmas.
Mackay Port Authority seaport general manager Scott Keane and environmental manager Bill Boylson inspect bridge works on Harbour Road.
MPA environmental manager Bill Boylson said the bridge would replace an aging culvert structure.

“Apart from increasing the weight capacity of trucks entering the seaport along Harbour Road, the new bridge will be a plus for the environment as it will dramatically increase the tidal flow to the wetlands,” he said.

“Barramundi like a connectivity between a saltwater habitat, as exists in the Bassett Basin and a freshwater habitat, such as the MPA’s wetlands and conservation areas.

“By enhancing the connectivity, this will encourage the barramundi to head into the freshwater areas where they like to spawn.”

Meantime, barramundi will be off the menu for Mackay fishermen until February 1. The annual east coast closure came into play on Wednesday and is designed to help protect stocks during the spawning season.