"After the release of the Draft Plan, we need time to study what outcomes have been stipulated; to examine whether these could possibly be achieved with such a low amount of water; and to ask how the Draft is supported by peer-reviewed science," said Professor Diane Bell, Chair of the Water ESC of the Conservation Council of SA.
Environment groups have outlined ten key tests against which they will assess the Draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Their goal is to achieve the long-term health of rivers and communities (see Attachment 1).
"We are really concerned that the Draft Basin Plan released tomorrow continues a tragic failure for the rivers, wetlands, towns and communities of the Murray-Darling Basin" said Bell.
"From the information already in the public domain, we have concerns the Draft Plan would not pass any of the 10 key tests that we have identified as necessary to return the system to health, but what we will now do is take the time to examine the Draft, the CSIRO review, and apply our tests to the Draft across the whole MDB system," said Tim Kelly, CEO of the Conservation Council SA. "Once this proper assessment has been completed, we anticipate being able to deliver a final verdict before Christmas."
"We want to ensure that the $8.9 billion budget returns the rivers to health. It would be a scandalous waste of money if that is not achieved," said Bell.
"The most successful and cost-effective measure to return environmental flows to date has been voluntary water buybacks and we would advocate for a Plan that ensures those continue.
"What we know already is that this Draft Plan now puts the environment, the lower River Murray, Lakes Alexandrina and Albert and the Coorong users last. A viable Plan for the MBD must ensure the two millions tonnes of accumulated salts are flushed to the sea through an open, flowing Murray Mouth. It must restore habitats for waterbirds and native fish. It must ensure the survival of our iconic river red gum forests."
"The Draft Plan also fails our communities: it will not provide good quality drinking water; it will not secure food production by floodplain graziers; it puts fishing and tourism industries at risk; and it will not ensure that Indigenous communities can continue their cultural practices.
Release Ends
For further information on the Blueprint for a Sustainable Future go to:
http://www.conservationsa.org.au/blueprint.html
For additional media information or to arrange an interview please contact
Professor Diane Bell on 0427 554 194 or Noriko Wynn, Policy and Communications Officer on 0411 028 930
Attachment 1.
10-PART TEST FOR THE MURRAY-DARLING BASIN PLAN
1. Puts the Murray-Darling Basin on a sustainable footing.
2. Delivers good quality drinking water to 3.4 million Australians.
3. Flushes 2 million tonnes of salt out to sea each year.
4. Maintains healthy River Red Gum forests and Black Box woodlands.
5. Allows waterbirds to nest and breed on a regular basis and rebuild populations.
6. Stops the decline in native fish and supports a sustainable fishing industry.
7. Enables Indigenous communities to maintain cultural practices and derive socio-economic benefits.
8. Supports floodplain graziers who are dependent on regular floods to produce food.
9. Provides a basis for a thriving and diverse tourist industry.
10. Allows enough water to adjust to a changing climate.
