Media Release
To this point, the target of 500gl to be returned in the next 3 years by the MDB States, has been seriously in doubt.
The self interest of the upstream states in not agreeing to a water trading scheme, and in withdrawing funds from some crucial MDB programs is unjustified and obstructionist, and will stand in contrast to SAs decisive action, said Ms Grady.
The longer the delay in getting this water back into the River, the more difficult and costly it will be to return it to health.
However, the target of 500GL is only a third of the minimum that must be returned to the Murray immediately.
It is greatly concerning, that even if we do meet the 500gl target by 2009, it is still way short of the minimum needed to save the Murray 3 times as much water must be found.
The only way to do this now is to buy up water entitlements. There is very little water left to be gained from pursuing on-farm water efficiencies.
And with a total of $200m committed to the Living Murray process by SA, this should be just the beginning for SA in returning water to the River through buying up entitlements, regardless of whether the States can find agreement , concluded Ms Grady.
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Comment: Michelle Grady, CCSA CEO 0417 879 439
