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Eckerts Creek billabong in happier times. |
The Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong have been suffering for years from over-allocation of water upstream and the devastating effects of reduced water flows. Our leaders have had a very long time now to find a solution to halt the degradation of the Murray River system, yet sadly they have failed to do so. Conservation SA's ongoing campaign to save the Murray has become more urgent than ever. In working to safeguard the future of the Murray we undertake advocacy and policy work at all levels of community and government. Right now State Government policies are forming, so our campaign is focussed on what the next State Government must do, particularly considering the failure of national efforts to meet the short to medium term needs of the river, and the fact that we just can't wait any longer to act. |
Our demand of the incoming State Government, based on expert consultation, is that SA must purchase 150 gigalitres of water annually from irrigators. This will ensure water flow is sufficient to maintain the lower lakes and Coorong, until such time as the in-development Murray Darling Basin Authority Diversion Plan starts working.
Conservation SA is advocating for the river in a number of ways:
- Influencing the Murray Darling Basin Authority Diversion Plan through submissions and participation in meetings.
- Facilitating interaction between Government, environment groups, farmers, irrigators, NRM (Natural Resource Management) boards and the broader community.
- Developing policy, as articulated in our key policy document, South Australia's Blueprint for a Sustainable Future, and keeping it current through the Water Standing Committee we are presently establishing.
- Being heard in the media: We speak up on the water debate.
- Representing the concerns of the environment and river system on Government committees, such as the recent regional meeting on River Murray Wetlands and Water Action Plans.
We receive no direct government funding for water advocacy work. When it comes to this sort of very important campaigning activity - the kind of work that aims to really shift the direction we are headed in as a society - we are entirely dependent on the generous support of individuals. Please donate to our Murray campaign and helping us generate a ground swell big enough to affect a shift in policy.