Restoring native fish movement to strengthen ecological resilience and river health

The Menindee Lakes system is a vital part of the Murray–Darling Basin, one of the largest and most complex river systems in Australia and a critical water source for communities, agriculture and ecosystems across four states and the Australian Capital Territory.

Despite its importance, long-standing connectivity challenges have limited the ability of iconic species such as Murray cod and Golden perch to move through the river system to spawn, feed and access critical habitat. Improving this movement is essential for ecological resilience, long-term river health and the communities and culture connected to the river.

3Rivers, a joint venture between Jacobs and GHD, has been appointed lead design consultant and will work alongside Barratt Mollison Consulting Group (BMCG) to develop the business case for permanent fish passage solutions across the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling–Baaka River. This marks an important step toward restoring fish movement and supporting ecosystem recovery.

Working alongside the New South Wales (NSW) Government and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), 3Rivers will provide technical, environmental and cost analysis to assess and prepare conceptual designs of options for long-term fish passage infrastructure.

The project is backed by a $10.5 million (AU$16 million) investment from the Australian Government, the MDBA and the NSW Government. It will assess and design fish passage solutions across priority structures, building on earlier studies and contributing to a broader basin-wide strategy to improve environmental outcomes.

3Rivers will bring together hydrology, engineering and environmental capabilities, working with government partners, local communities and First Nations groups to develop practical, sustainable designs. 

“This work represents a meaningful opportunity to restore connectivity for native fish species that are integral to the Basin’s ecological balance,” says Jacobs Director of Operations Water Australia New Zealand Kate Simmonds. “Through 3Rivers, we are bringing forward practical, long-term solutions that support healthier rivers and communities.”

The business case will outline pathways for permanent works that enable native fish to move more freely throughout the Menindee Lakes system and lower Darling-Baaka River, informing future investment and implementation across the Murray–Darling Basin.

For more than five years, Jacobs, as part of the 3Rivers joint venture, has been delivering engineering and environmental solutions under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan — helping restore river health and support long-term wellbeing for communities and ecosystems in the northern and southern basins of NSW. The 3Rivers team blends global expertise with in-depth local knowledge and experience​, providing a breadth of services spanning environmental assessments, hydrology, weir and regulator design, fish passage design, business case development and planning approvals to support delivery from initial planning through construction.