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:

 

• Complex land ownership and management for both Lake Hawthorn and Lake Ranfurly increase challenges with positive outcomes - Cabarita Inc is leading the way in creating active discussions with all parties

• Loss of fish native fish and other species due to salt and water levels

• Potential reduction of habitat around the lake due to development but mainly due to lack of planning for conservation zones and protective infrustructure so that we can co-exist with minimal impact.

• Drought and Flood mitigation measures - actively involved in advisory committees to ensure our community is considered within this planning

• Increasing salinity due to lack of natural flooding events and salt interception scheme not operating as originally designed/intended.

• Potential for Lake Hawthorn to become a valuable environmental wetland &  recreational space for locals and visitors to enjoy

• 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.

• Potential for Cabarita to be a connecting trail for surrounding suburbs/towns of Mildura and the riverine trails

• Our achievements to date

IF YOU HAVE SOME IDEAS OR ISSUES THEN PLEASE FILL OUT OUR COMMUNITY SURVEY AS THIS OFFERS A REAL CHANCE FOR US TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS OR THE OPPORTUNITIES AND IDEAS YOU MAY HAVE!​

BETTER YET JOIN OUR FRIENDLY COMMITTEE AND HELP US CREATE THAT VISION........BY COMMUNITY FOR COMMUNITY!