Melbourne Water and Greater Western Water have completed a joint operation to refill a section of Deep Creek in the Macedon Ranges, aiming to save the endangered Yarra Pygmy Perch.
The Yarra Pygmy Perch is a freshwater fish that faced near-extinction during the Millenium Drought, with surviving populations now mostly confined to a few dams and drought refuges. Typically, these fish reach refuges through groundwater-connected pools. However, Melbourne Water ecologists found no flowing water and almost dry pools at the Musteys Bridge and Doggetts Bridge sites.
Higher temperatures, increased evaporation, and reduced stream flows have impacted the health of Deep Creek, which has not seen significant water flow since November 2024. The summer of 2024–25 was the driest since 2013–14 and the fourth warmest since 1910, following a dry spring that caused stream flows across water catchments to drop 43 per cent below the 30-year average.
Melbourne Water Head of Waterway and Catchment Services North West, Vix Penko, said that the creek is home to the last two known populations of this rare fish in Melbourne, and is as far east as they can be found.
“In a drying climate, our water corporations have a responsibility to balance the needs of customers with sustaining native animal habitat and maintaining biodiversity,” she said.
Upon learning about the dire condition of the drought refuges, Greater Western Water staff collaborated with Melbourne Water’s ecologists to devise a plan to rewater the creek and protect the Yarra Pygmy Perch. This water was transported from Greater Western Water’s facility to the creek in two Melbourne Water trucks, ensuring it was filtered to prevent the introduction of aquatic pests.
Greater Western Water General Manager of Operations and Delivery Solutions, Jodie Hallam, said, “When we received the call from Melbourne Water, we were more than happy to help with this operation.
“Caring for Country is one of our key pillars of our 2030 Strategy and we’re committed to improving the health of the Maribyrnong River network and the flora and fauna that benefit from it, including the rare Yarra Pygmy Perch.”
The utilities said that this successful joint operation represents a practical step by Melbourne Water and Greater Western Water to support the Victorian Government’s Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, and protect and promote the health of the state’s rivers and creeks.
