NSWCFA have been examining the issue of pumped hydro projects and their potential impact on recreational fishing. The most significant projects are:

• Snowy Hydro 2.0 where there is a threat of transfer of redfin into Tantangara Dam. Monaro Acclimatisation Society has been very successful is extracting a recreational fishing offset – money to develop a trout growout facility to provide larger trout for stocking into Tantangara in the event of redfin appearing.
• An emerging proposal for Lake Lyell where access will be removed to key locations in the dam and diurnal water level changes are likely to impact on access to the shoreline.
• The Yetholme project. Apart from the initial loss of 6Gl of Fish River water to fill the two new reservoirs necessary for the project, there will be an on-going yearly take of 400 Ml of Fish River water to top up losses to evaporation; not so much of a problem during la niña but it will be a significant take when prolonged dry weather returns.

NSWCFA will monitor developments at the state level, but affiliates are encouraged to monitor projects in their districts and seek to be engaged in Environmental Impact studies. NSWCFA have developed guidance for affiliates of potential issues that pumped hydro might bring to their favourite fishing spots. See here.