Barkandji used what was available for fish traps and that was the weir. Examining the palimpsest of cultural and ecological values of the Wilcannia weir, Southeastern Australia

This paper examines the complex, layered history and cultural and ecological significance of the 1940s fixed-crest town water supply weir at Wilcannia, far western NSW. Our Indigenous-led research shows that natural rock bars were adapted by Barkandji to form fish traps and fish weirs and after colonisation settlers re-adapted some of these as temporary and then permanent weirs. The rock-fronted Wilcannia weir mimics the natural rock bars along Baaka (Darling River) and its rock apron has been used for approximately 75 years by Barkandji people to create stone-walled fish traps. Barkandji people helped build and re-build the Wilcannia town weir, simultaneously re-adapting the rock front as fish traps. As the weir degraded it has become leaky and uneven, improving cultural fishing, fish passage and creating new and complex habitats. Recent designs for a new town weir have not embraced the rich and evolving palimpsest of historical, cultural and ecological values of the old weir. We suggest a new way forward where government agencies work together with Barkandji to design, build and manage a new type of water storage system that enhances the complex values held by the old weir, and celebrates Barkandji fishing culture and relational ontology with Baaka.