Essential maintenance works at the Mildura Weir will start on June 9 after the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) announced today.
The works will see the river level in the weir pool gradually lowered and Lock 11 closed to the public until July 5.
The maintenance works occur every two years at the weir and are essential to support the communities and industries that depend on the reliable operation of the river infrastructure.
GMW General Manager Water Storage Services Jon McKeown said the works would take about four weeks to complete, including five days to lower the weir pool and five days to refill it.
“These critical maintenance works need to be completed and the weir pool reinstated prior to the irrigation season re-commencing,” he said.
“The works involve replacing two of the trestles that control the flow of water through the weir.
“We expect the river levels upstream of the weir to drop by around 3.5 metres, exposing some of the riverbank which is usually submerged.
“River craft will be able to access Lock 11 until 4.30pm on 8 June 2026.”
Mr McKeown said the Lock Island recreation area would be closed between 7am and 6pm during the works but would be open in the evenings.
“We were pleased to work with Mildura Rural City Council to ensure public access to the island and The Trail of Lights in the evenings,” he said.
Boat operators, river pumpers and other river users are encouraged to take into account the lowering of the weir pool and the lock closure when planning their activities.
Water quality measurements will be taken during the drawdown, so any salinity impacts in the weir pool or downstream can be carefully assessed.
The Mildura Weir and Lock 11 are operated and maintained by GMW on behalf of the MDBA.
“We thank everyone for their co-operation and understanding during these important maintenance works,” Mr McKeown said.
NOTE: These works are not related to the Mildura Weir Replacement Project. The works are part of regular maintenance of the weir to ensure reliable operation of the river infrastructure for communities, irrigators and other water users.