A new fish ladder near the Victoria Mill weir will help boost native fish numbers in the Hinchinbrook area. 

Greening Australia partnered with Wilmar Sugar Australia to build the new structure on Palm Creek, south of Victoria Mill. 

Greening Australia Project Officer Belinda Bickley said the ladder would help native fish travel upstream. 

“It’s designed to make it easier for the fish to get over the weir and access other parts of the creek to ensure their sustainability,” she said. 

“The structure allows fish to hide in hollows or behind rocks and gradually move their way upstream. 

“We are very confident it will lead to greater numbers of native fish such as empire gudgeons, eastern rainbows, glass perch, fly-speckled hardyheads, spangled perch and eel-tailed catfish,” Ms Bickley said. 

Wilmar’s Herbert Regional Operations Manager Adam Douglas said the company was proud to be part of such an important environmental project for the Hinchinbrook region. 

“We were pleased to be able to make the land available to help make this project a reality,” he said. 

"Environmental sustainability is really important for us as a business. It includes a commitment to assist with community projects, where we can. This project ticked a lot of boxes for us and we're pleased with the outcome.” 

Ingham contractors Michael Bartolini Concreting were involved in the construction of the 46 metre fish ladder. 

The 11-day project involved removing more than 1,850 cubic metres of soil, placing 1,180 rocks and laying 150 cubic metres of concrete. 

Ms Bickley said Greening Australia’s Ingham volunteers would monitor the site over the next two years, and record changes in fish habitats. 

“We are going to keep an eye on the entry and exit points of the ladder to see what fish are using it, and how many.

 “It’s only early, but we expect to see native fish numbers thrive in Palm Creek,” she said.