Menindee review

Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Menindee Lakes Review

The Menindee Lakes play a crucial role in the southern Murray–Darling Basin, providing water resources, supporting river operations, and underpinning values for First Nations, environmental outcomes and local communities.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is currently undertaking a review of the operations and management of the Menindee Lakes System on behalf of Murray River Governments (Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the Commonwealth).

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has prepared a fact sheet outlining the importance of the Menindee Lakes to Victoria and how this links to the Menindee Review.

Why are operating arrangements at the Menindee Lakes being reviewed?

Over recent years, the Menindee Lakes System has faced major challenges including severe drought, reduced inflows, water quality problems and large fish death events, with debate continuing about how water should be shared and managed.

The review aims to explore operational, infrastructure and other management options for the best path forward for managing the Menindee Lakes for the long-term health and resilience of Basin communities, industries and the environment.

As Victoria equally shares all inflows to the Lakes with New South Wales under the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement, Victoria has an equal say in options for change and any future operating arrangements.

For more information about the Menindee Review: MDBA’s website.

Why are the Menindee Lakes important for Victoria?

The Menindee Lakes are critical to Victoria and support a range of outcomes that benefit water users, entitlement holders and communities in the Murray River.

Victorian water stored in the Lakes underpins the reliability of Victorian Murray entitlements, helping to secure better seasonal allocations particularly when conditions in the Murray River and southern basin are dry.For more information about the seasonal determination process: Northern Victorian Resource Manager (NVRM) website.

Victorian water delivered from the Lakes also helps to support efficient river operations, conserving water stored in upper Murray storages (Hume and Dartmouth dams), while delivering on Victoria’s obligations to supply water to South Australia.

For more information about River Murray operations: MDBA’s website.

Delivery of water from the Menindee Lakes also provides flexibility for river operators to supply demand in the lower Murray River without relying on transfers from the upper Murray storages, helping to reduce delivery risks.

For more information about Murray River shortfall risks: Victorian Water Register website.

How can I provide input to the review?

You can have your say on what the Menindee Lakes Review should consider during consultation being led by the MDBA throughout February to April 2026.

You can find more information, including engagement opportunities in Victoria, via the MDBA’s website.

What happens next?

Based on the feedback received in the first half of 2026, the MDBA will work with Murray River governments to prepare change options for further consideration in late 2026.

How does this interact with the Basin Plan Review?

The Menindee Review is occurring in parallel with the MDBA’s review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The Menindee Review is examining current operational rules and procedures, the suitability of water management arrangements, and opportunities for new and improved infrastructure – matters not being covered by the Basin Plan Review.

For more information about the Basin Plan Review: DEECA Basin Plan Review consultation website.

Page last updated: 26/02/26