As the Murray Darling Basin Authority considers returning as little as 2,400 GL to our nation's ailing river system, the Conservation Council suggests South Australians prepare to host a brilliant blend of salt and toxic chemicals.
"Very robust science in the Guide to the Basin Plan last year revealed that 4,000 GL was the minimum amount of water that was needed to restore the Murray Darling to health. In fact, 7,600 GL is needed for good health," said Chief Executive Tim Kelly.
"Now it seems the independent Authority that is responsible for the health of the system is considering a range of water return that is not even half this amount, with a mere 3,200 GL the top of the range being looked at."
"It is not hard to understand that a river needs to flow. A river that receives 2 million tonnes of salt and agricultural chemicals from four states needs to discharge that toxic load, or it will simply bank up. We will see more algal blooms, water quality will continue to deteriorate and everything that relies on that water will suffer, whether it is our native plants and animals or our farming communities.
"It is not in anyone's interest to let this happen to the Murray Darling system. As its own website proclaims, 'The Murray-Darling Basin Authority's principal aim is to manage the Basin's water resources in the national interest'.
"Destroying the River from the mouth up is a complete dereliction of this responsibility and must not be countenanced by Australians, whatever state they are in," concluded Mr Kelly.
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
Noriko Wynn, Policy and Communications Officer on 0411 028 930
