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After a decade of bi-annual aquatic monitoring of the Campaspe River, the 2026 report from Aquatica Environmental points to a river that is resilient and providing a healthy home to over 1,200 fish, plants and other aquatic species.

Since 2016, Fosterville Gold Mine has been engaging Aquatica Environmental, an external environmental consulting company, to complete biannual monitoring of the Campaspe River, assisting to build a long?term picture of river changes over time.

In 2025, the survey extended over approximately 18km of the river and the lower reach of Axe Creek, with monitoring occurring in both Autumn and Spring. The results were compiled into an annual report which provides a detailed, evidence?based understanding of the river’s health, with the following key findings:

1. Post-flood resilience

Despite challenging dry conditions throughout 2025, the Campaspe River continues to show strong resilience following the 2022 flood event. Water quality remains stable and consistent with previous years, with key indicators including dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and turbidity (cloudiness) meeting environmental standards across all river sites, supporting healthy aquatic life.

Minor changes in Autumn pH levels were linked to natural seasonal factors, rather than long?term impacts, with pH returning to normal in Spring.

2. Well established river habitat & biodiversity

In 2025, 25 aquatic plant species were recorded and with introduced species remaining controlled and localised.

The improving habitat is reflected in the river’s wildlife, with 2025 recording the highest macroinvertebrate (small animals without backbones) diversity seen since monitoring began 10 years ago!

3. Growing fish diversity

The endangered freshwater catfish, listed under the FFG*, was recorded for the first time, demonstrating the ecological value of the habitat. Juvenile Murray Cod were observed again, pointing to successful fish stocking and habitat support. Overall, fish diversity is increasing, even when numbers fluctuate seasonally.

*FFG refers to the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, a key conservation law in Victoria. Under this law, the Freshwater Catfish (Tandanus Tandanus) is officially listed as endangered.

4. Healthy overall biodiversity

This year marks the first year eDNA (environmental DNA) – a cutting?edge tool that can detect species traditional surveys might miss – was used in the program. Using eDNA, we identified more than 1,200 fish, plant and other aquatic species.

The ongoing monitoring reflects FGM’s commitment to transparent, evidence?based environmental monitoring of this important local waterway. Looking ahead, we’ll continue working with Aquatica to complete the biannual monitoring to:

• build a strong, comprehensive dataset over time;
• improve the way we detect wildlife; and
• align eDNA sampling more closely with wildlife surveys to further strengthen our understanding.