Water

Dunyak Moira receives funds

By Contributed

Jul 10, 2026

The latest injection of funding will support the constructiuon of new infrastructure at the site, including picnic shelters like this one. Credit: Goulburn Valley Water.

Goulburn Valley Water has secured further Victorian Fisheries Authority funding for further upgrades to the Dunyak Moira catch-and-release fishing ponds at Merrigum.

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Last February the site, home to the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club, received $24,000 for three new fishing platforms.

Last month brought confirmation of a further $108,610 injection for additional improvements.

Since opening in October 2023, the former water treatment site has been transformed into one of the state’s unique catch-and-release fishing destinations.

GVW acting managing director Daniel Flanagan said the funding reflected both the site’s success and its future potential.

“This funding allows us to build on the momentum of Dunyak Moira and continue transforming it into a place where recreation, education, culture and environmental stewardship come together,” Mr Flanagan said.

“The Victorian Fisheries Authority has been a strong supporter of this project from the outset, and this latest grant will help ensure the site is more accessible, informative and sustainable for years to come.”

Dunyak Moira, meaning “fishing lake” in Yorta Yorta language, has welcomed thousands of visitors.

The new funding will deliver an education and picnic shelter, upgraded signage, and a wheelchair-friendly path linking the car park to the 50 megalitre lagoon and its accessible platform.

Burnanga artwork will also be incorporated.

The ponds sat unused for more than 20 years before rehabilitation began in 2021.

Since filling in April 2022, Murray cod have bred successfully, duck nesting boxes have produced 48 clutches, and about 8000 plants have been established on site.