The annual release of 12000 native fingerlings along the Macquarie River is "all about sustainability" according to James Cleasby, Narromine Shire Council's manager of Health, Building and Environmental Services. 

The longstanding collaboration between Narromine Shire Council and the Macquarie Cotton Growers Association has seen a total of 210000 native fingerlings released over the past 24 years. 

NSW Department of Primary Industries helps fund the group as part of its "Dollar for Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program". 

"We pool our money with the Cotton Growers Association to get maximum fingerlings for release," Mr Cleasby said. "The government will match every dollar with their own funding so it makes sense to." 

This year, Golden Perch and Murray Cod fingerlings were sourced from a breeding facility in Narromine and once released, will take three to four years to reach maturity. 

"This time of year is perfect for release as the weather is still warm," Mr Cleasby said. "Breeders estimate 40 - 60 per cent of fish will make it to maturity and our aim is to shore up the breeding stocks of native fish in the river. As everyone knows, there is plenty of competition with invasive species." 

Narromine Shire Council’s General Manager, Mrs Jane Redden was also enthusiastic about the program. 

"Narromine Shire Council, together with Macquarie Cotton Growers Association have been working towards maintaining a balanced river ecosystem, it really is important to maintain fish numbers and improve our threatened freshwater species," she said . 

"NSW DPI’s Dollar for Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program is recognised for its significance in terms of improving future conservation and recreational fishing outcomes in the Macquarie River."