The Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA) today welcomed Simon Creans pledge to make restoring the River Murray one of the federal governments major priorities, should it win the next federal election. CCSA is looking to Prime Minister Howard for the leadership to make the River a bipartisan priority.
The River Murray is the environmental and economic lifeblood of South Australia said Simon Divecha, CEO, CCSA.
Its continued decline is an ongoing national tragedy and restoring life to this River will revitalise communities along its length.
We are delighted that Mr Crean is making the River a national priority for the ALP and committing to return water to the river
The Murray Darling River system is facing substantial decline. This decline and the need for urgent action is highlighted in the recent bipartisan Adelaide Declaration from the South Australian Parliament. The Declaration states that:
- ...the River Murray is of great cultural, social, environmental and economic importance for Australia.
- the overuse of water from the River Murray and its tributaries will soon also impact on the sustainability of the very industries that depend on the water resource. Irrigated crops, urban water supplies, tourism, and recreation are all threatened by the continued decline in the health of the Murray.
We hope Mr Howard matches Mr Creans commitment said Mr Divecha. South Australians can make such a bilateral political commitment; we hope the Federal Parliament can as well.
Fifteen hundred billion litres a year of water for environmental flows give the river a moderate chance of restoring its health. The river also needs immediate flows.
All parliaments need to commit money and resources to stop the decline of this river and avert a great national tragedy from occurring.
Further information:
Simon Divecha, CEO, CCSA, Phone 08 8223 5155 or 0417 879 439