A NEW laboratory facility will be constructed at the Narrandera Fisheries after the organised hooked a huge amount of money from the state government.
The $1.1 million will assist with native freshwater fish research and was announced this week by Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair and Nationals candidate for for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.
“This is the only native freshwater fish research and hatchery in the Murray-Darling Basin and we’re committed to ‘future-proofing’ our capacity to deliver national and internationally recognised freshwater fish research,” Mr Blair said.
“Current research activities based at Narrandera focus on the health of freshwater species, habitats, ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices.
“The research underpins our management initiatives and policy development to maintain and protect the state’s valuable aquatic resources.
“The upgrade will facilitate future collaborations and partnerships with universities and other institutes and cements Narrandera as the premier centre for native fish research within the Murray-Darling Basin.”
The new multi-functional laboratory will include wet and dry areas, microscopy rooms, genetics and environmental DNA facilities, an aquaria tank room and storage facilities.
Construction of the new state-of-the-art laboratory complements recent upgrades at Narrandera, including a $240,000 fish ageing facility and a new $220,000 boat shed.
Ms Cooke visited the fisheries this week and was impressed with what she saw.
“The research unit has more than 40 staff working at four sites and most of those are based right here,” Ms Cooke said.
“I look forward to seeing the centre transform over the coming year and providing a great base for vital research.
“Freshwater fishing is popular with locals right across the region and I know they will be pleased to see more investment in fishing.”
