Submission to Future of Menindee Lakes – vision, management and restoration

The Centre for Ecosystem Science (CES), UNSW Sydney, supports policies and management of government, focused on improving effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and natural resource management, founded on a strong evidence base. CES has a strong scientific track record of research into the sustainable management of Menindee Lakes, including a series of publications on ecology of Menindee Lakes as social-ecological systems and the factors affecting their long-term sustainability.

There is a call for submissions in relation to the management of Menindee Lakes but none of the material adequately provides options for management, nor is it clear how this review relates to the review of the Basin Plan. The technical review (MDBA 2026) provides a reasonably comprehensive analyses of the information available but has not rigorously assessed the available science. It is essential that these concurrent reviews allow the public to fully consider conflicting claims and views and to evaluate clearly framed policy alternatives with stated consequences. We urge the Authority to present policy options for Menindee, and those relating to the wider Basin, that are clearly articulated, compared, and justified, prior to making its final recommendations to the Minister.

In the absence of good information on options for management or their costs and benefits, we provide this submission which focuses on the clear needs for Menindee Lakes and provides a vision to drive ecologically sustainable management of Menindee Lakes. We reference the technical report as well as additional information that is available to the public.

The Centre for Ecosystem Science recommends that an ecologically sustainable vision be developed for the Menindee Lakes system, incorporating restoration of those lakes in Kinchega National Park, Lakes Menindee and Cawndilla. Further the vision should include the sustainable management and protection of Baaka/ Lower Darling River, involving traditional owners, Barkandji peoples and other Aboriginal groups with strong ties to the river.

This requires a focus on reinstating the flooding and drying patterns of the two lakes for restoration and a move away from the historical focus on water efficiency and storage for water use. Protection of flows to the Menindee Lakes is also of long-term importance to ensure water quality and mitigate impacts on native fish populations.

Decision making for management needs to be underpinned using the best available science.

See full submission below.