Work to restore native fish migration across the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka River system has reached a major milestone, with 3Rivers appointed as lead design consultant for the permanent fish passage project.
The joint venture between Jacobs and GHD will lead the development of the business case, providing technical expertise to design and cost solutions that will restore connectivity across the region’s waterways.
The project is being delivered in partnership between the NSW Government and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), with a combined investment of $16 million to develop detailed options for permanent fish passage infrastructure.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the milestone marks an important step in preventing future mass fish deaths.
“This project is focused on long-term, permanent solutions, not just band-aid fixes,” Watt said. “It will support native fish recovery, river connectivity and healthier river systems for the environment and communities.”
Restoring connectivity across 518 kilometres
The Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka Fish Passage Business Case will evaluate opportunities to re-establish 518 kilometres of waterway connectivity between the northern and southern Murray–Darling Basin.
Proposed works include solutions at key regulator and weir sites between Lake Wetherell and Pooncarie Weir, addressing decades of interrupted migration for native species such as Murray cod and golden perch.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project forms part of the Minns Government’s $25 million Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program.
“This permanent fix will have a long-term impact for restoring our native fish,” Moriarty said. “Our regional communities depend on us to get this right so that, in the future, fish can migrate the entire length of the Basin.”
Collaboration with Traditional Owners and local communities
Consultation with Barkandji Traditional Owners and other First Nations groups will play a central role in shaping design recommendations and environmental assessments.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the project builds on the progress already made under the Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program.
“We’ve expanded water quality monitoring, improved response triggers and added resources,” Jackson said. “But we know enduring fish passage and river health is the ultimate aim, and we’re getting on with that job.”
MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said 3Rivers’ appointment would ensure a collaborative, science-led approach.
“Community collaboration will be critical to developing the right designs to enable fish passage through the Lakes and the Baaka,” McConville said. “The Barkandji people and other First Nations groups will play a key role in shaping the business case to ensure local and cultural knowledge informs the final recommendations.”
The NSW Government has also funded a three-year trial of Fishheart technology at Lake Wetherell, providing a temporary solution to assist native fish movement while permanent works are developed.