Australia’s largest fishlift is set for a significant overhaul.

The device at NSW’s Tallowa Dam will be upgraded to enhance its capacity to support native fish migration along the Shoalhaven River. 

Originally constructed in 2009, the lift will undergo extensive upgrades, aimed at restoring its operation and boosting its resilience against environmental challenges.

The Tallowa Dam fishlift employs a unique system, using a 2,500-litre hopper to carry fish over a 30-metre dam wall. 

Fish are drawn into a channel at the dam's base and lifted to the upstream lake, ensuring uninterrupted migration. Additional infrastructure facilitates the downstream migration of fish to estuary spawning areas.

However, due to aging infrastructure and recent flooding impacts, the fish lift is currently not operational,

The upgrade project will address mechanical and electrical issues, enabling the migration of endangered fish species to their upstream spawning grounds.

The project, scheduled for completion by early 2026, will involve replacing critical lift components such as valves, fittings, and electrical systems, including new winches and control panels. 

Access walkways will also be added to streamline maintenance operations. 

The upgrades aim to make the fishlift and associated environmental flow systems more robust against extreme weather, such as floods.

Completed in 1976, Tallowa Dam plays a critical role in water supply for the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands regions and serves as a backup for Sydney and Illawarra.

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