Water levels at Menindee Lakes in New South Wales have dropped to their lowest in five years, leading the state government to enforce upstream water use restrictions. This situation arises as combined storage fell below 480 gigalitres, raising concerns about potential mass fish deaths during the upcoming summer months due to low river flows.
Experts warn that without significant rainfall, the risk of fish kills could escalate, echoing past environmental crises in the region. The government has yet to implement recommendations aimed at improving water management and preventing such disasters.