In 2024, pumping infrastructure at Wambandry was upgraded through the replacement of ‘traditional’ track racks with modern fish protection screens – the goal being to maximise the protection of native fish and the delivery of cleaner water to irrigators.

Located on the mid Macquarie River, NSW, Wambandry Station operates five pumps.

  • A combination of screening options was chosen to suit the capacities of the individual pumps.
  • Three T-screens were fitted on the bigger pumps and two individual cylinder screens on the smaller pumps.

Each screen is fully retractable for easy inspection and maintenance, and all screens are fitted with brushes for automated self-cleaning.

The site is part of the Macquarie River Screening Program, which is screening 70% of water diverted downstream from Dubbo.

The Wambandry screens will protect an estimated 68,500 native fish each year, equating to ~3.5 million fish over the predicted 50-year life of the screen.

Project details

Installed: June 2024

Screen Manufacturer: AWMA Water Control Solutions

Project Partners: NSW Department of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Fisheries.

Project Funding: Macquarie River Screening Program.