Hattah Lakes North

The Hattah Lakes North project is in the final stage of a long-term program to restore the internationally significant floodplains of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. 

Work has begun on the western bank of the Murray River between Robinvale and Red Cliffs, to connect the northern and southern lakes, allowing water to be delivered across the floodplains in a controlled and carefully timed way. 

Previous work at the southern lakes under The Living Murray Program has improved ecological health and supported environmental and cultural outcomes. Work at the northern lakes will complete the project’s original vision. 

Environmental watering will help regenerate native trees, grasses and understorey plants, stabilise sandy soils, and restore habitat for wildlife that depends on floods to survive. The park contains Ramsar-listed wetlands that provide important habitat and breeding grounds for more than 47 species of waterbirds. 

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is a special place and holds deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance for Traditional Owners. Protecting cultural heritage is a key consideration in the project’s design and delivery. 

Returning water to the floodplain and stabilising soils helps prevent erosion and protect culturally sensitive sites that can be exposed as lakes dry and sands shift. 

The project will help ensure Hattah’s floodplains remain healthy, resilient, and protected for future generations.

Project milestones

Raised containment banks and gated structures known as regulators will be constructed as part of the managed water system being delivered at Hattah Lakes North.  

Works near Mournpall Track 

Restoration and construction work will include: 

• Raised containment banks 
• A five-bay gated structure (regulator) to the north 
• A three-bay gated structure (regulator) at Bitterang to the south 

Works near River Track 

Restoration and construction work will include: 

• Raised containment banks 
• Two three-bay gated structures (regulators) at different locations along the track. 

The Hattah Lakes project received planning approval under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) in July 2023. The Environment Effects Statement, together with a draft Planning Scheme Amendment was on public exhibition for 6 weeks between October and November 2022. A public hearing was held in January and February 2023, and the Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee referred the project to the Victorian Minister for Planning to make a final determination (to approve or reject the proposal). The Minister’s assessment concluded while there would be some significant adverse impacts during construction, the project can achieve an overall improvement to biodiversity of the floodplain environments.  As part of the conditions of approval, the construction and operation of the project must comply with the conditions set out in the Minister’s Assessment of the project. 

Building infrastructure in a National Park requires careful management. Construction will be guided by approved environmental and cultural heritage management plans, with controls in place to protect vegetation, wildlife, water quality and culturally significant areas. Works are carefully planned and monitored in collaboration with project delivery partners to minimise impacts during construction. Where possible, construction will take place on existing access tracks and areas that have already been disturbed.  

What to expect during construction

• Increased traffic and heavy vehicle movements on local roads 
• Temporary changes to access within the park
• Construction activity during working hours 
• Installation of temporary fencing and signage.

Construction impacts will be monitored before, during and after works. If unexpected impacts occur, management approaches will be adapted in response. Long-term ecological monitoring will continue after construction is complete to track the recovery of the floodplain and inform future watering decisions. 

The community will be notified prior to the start of any construction activities.

While there will be construction impacts, these are relatively small compared to the area that will benefit from the environmental watering delivered under the Hattah Lakes North project.