Media Release: Thousands of Murray Cod and Golden Perch released in the Macquarie River
13 January 2026
Over 21,000 native fish fingerlings were released into the Macquarie River yesterday, Monday 12 January, with Warren Shire Council and community members coming together for a major native fish stocking event at Bob Christensen Reserve.
The stocking was supported through the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) $2-for-$1 Native Fish Stocking Program for 2025/2026, which aims to conserve and protect the unique biodiversity of NSW inland river systems.
Through the Program, Council contributed $6,000 and received $12,000 from NSW DPI, enabling the purchase and release of native fish fingerlings.
In total, Council released more than 21,739 native fish fingerlings, including:
11,739 Murray Cod fingerlings
10,000 Golden Perch fingerlings
The fingerlings were bred and grown at Tara Native Fish Hatchery in Hopefield, NSW, where an excellent growing season produced healthy fish measuring between 30mm and 50mm long.
Mayor Greg Whiteley said the release was a practical action Council and the community could take together to strengthen river health, protect native fish and support the long-term resilience of the Macquarie River system.
“The Macquarie River is part of our livelihood and taking care of it is something we all have a role in,” Mayor Whiteley said.
“We’re grateful to NSW DPI for matching Council’s contribution through the $2-for-$1 Native Fish Stocking Program. It means our local investment goes further and the river benefits.
“This release will give the Macquarie a boost and help strengthen native fish populations for years to come. It was great to see locals get involved and make a real contribution to caring for the river,” he said.
Council thanked everyone who attended and participated in the release, including families and community members who helped place fingerlings into the river.
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For more information, please contact:
Gary Woodman General Manager, Warren Shire Council
Email: gary.woodman@warren.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6847 6600
Download a PDF of the media release.