Overview

Contribute your ideas to build a shared vision for the future of Menindee Lakes and identify potential options that might achieve that vision. 

The Menindee Lakes are more than a water storage – they are a living system, a Cultural landscape, and a community and Basin asset. 

In response to growing concerns over the health and management of the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling (Baaka), a review of the operational and management arrangements for the Menindee Lakes System was agreed by the Murray–Darling Basin Officials Committee (BOC) in June 2024. The Murray–Darling Basin Authority is leading this work on behalf of the joint River Murray governments of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Commonwealth. 

The management and operation of the Menindee Lakes System and the Lower Darling (Baaka) River is complex and has long been contested. The Menindee Review aims to explore options for the best path forward for managing the Menindee Lakes for the health and resilience of Basin communities, industries and the environment. 

Your feedback will help ensure future decisions reflect the values and needs of those who care for and depend on the Lakes. 

Have your say

To provide feedback that will help build a shared vision for the future of Menindee Lakes, reflecting the values and needs of those who care for and depend on the Lakes:

Submissions close 5 pm (AEDT) on Friday 1 May 2026.

Next steps

A 'what we heard' report will be developed, summarising the feedback received from submissions and engagement activities during the consultation process.

The feedback received will be considered during the exploration and development of options to achieve the desired outcomes at the Menindee Lakes. This process will be undertaken in collaboration with the joint governments.

Communities will then have the opportunity to provide further feedback on the options developed.

Timeline

  • Submissions open
    open

    11 February 2026

  • Webinar
    pending

    12 February 2026

  • Submissions close
    pending

    1 May 2026

  • Options development
    pending

    June 2026

  • Have your say on options
    pending

    Late 2026

  • Final report
    pending

    Early 2027