Hurry Save The Murray!

Media Release of the River, Lakes and Coorong Action Group

Yesterday the Water Election Team (WET) was out in the electorate.

We heard “Good News” being proclaimed by politicians and we heard persistent questions from voters.

Premier Rann announced an extra 70 GL has been secured from the NSW floods.

The SA Labor Policy - Water and the River Murray - committed to a freshwater solution for the “Lower Lakes” and promised a new 170 GL Lakes Environmental Reserve.

And, more water is coursing down the Murray-Darling River system.

So, when will we hear that
* the Pomanda (Wellington) Weir is no longer needed?
* those who would govern the state will not proceed with the weir?
* the $5 million being spent on the Environmental Impact Statement to open the barrages and flood the “Lower Lakes” with seawater is to be spent on rehabilitating the damaged wetlands?

We are told that science will drive policy.

Today thirty of Australia’s leading freshwater scientists published a statement regarding the emerging Basin Plan in which they state that: “Flow connectivity needs to be a focus for management because it is crucial for recovery and maintenance of floodplain river ecosystems, and because streams, wetlands and woodlands cannot be managed in isolation.” http://www.wetrivers.unsw.edu.au/

So when will we hear that the
* dam/regulator at Clayton Bay is to be removed?
* Narrung Narrows are to be dredged and Lakes Albert reconnected to Lake Alexandrina?

The current record-breaking floods are our opportunity to reset the system. Who will have the courage and vision to act?