Lake Hawthorn is an iconic lake situated right in the middle of our town, not to mention right in the midst of many townships/suburbs of Mildura.  So much opportunity you might think when you first drive past it, but sadly there are many hurdles in front of anyone who thinks they can turn this lake into more than just a drainage basin of ever lowering water levels which was once a lake of stature if you look back through the history pages.

Lake Hawthorn has a strong connection to the river which has been changed due to agricultural needs, roads, train lines and and housing developments but it still has an environmental value that provides a habitat for endangered birds.  Lake Hawthorn has been successful in receiving two environmental flows over the past five years which will assist in protecting this waterway.  Environmental flows are applied for on an annual basis and is not in any way guaranteed.

Some issues our community (and Mildura) faces:

• Multiple government and college lease management organisations over land and water within and around Lake Hawthorn and Lake Ranfurly

• Loss of fish native fish species

• Potential loss of native animals and birds

• Potential loss of native habitat if lake bed dries due to salt burn/acid sulphate risk.

• Extreme salinity and toxicity of water and lake bed sediment

• Odour - really strong odour!! (Usually on high degree days 36 degrees and above)

• Loss of local sporting club dependant on Lake Hawthorn (Lake Hawthorn Sailing Club)

• Loss of recreation value to The Lake Primary School and visitors (Once a popular swimming venue for Mildura locals)

• Loss of local businesses e.g. Snakes and Ladders, Post Office and store due to drought causing unbearable smell of lake.

• Risk of losing Merbein Golf Club through lack of volunteer support or paid membership levels, general use of the facility by locals.

• Growing school population requiring safer bike and walking paths to connect the new residential growth of Mildura South in close proximity to Cabarita and the Lake School, enrolment numbers for the Lake PS is 255 for 2016 double what it was 10 years ago. Lake Hawthorn perimeter access could assist in providing this.

• Existing businesses being badly affected by strong summer odours.