MEDIA RELEASE
7 February 2018
Murray-Darling Basin Plan disallowance the right action
The state's peak environment body has strongly backed the move by the Senate to block an amendment that could see water in the Northern Basin reduced by 70GL.
‘We want the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to survive, but it has to deliver the original intention,’ said Conservation SA Chief Executive Craig Wilkins.
‘We strongly support Senator Sarah Hanson Young’s disallowance motion, and welcome the considered support from other SA senators including those from NXT, Labor and Australian Conservatives.’
‘Reduced flows in the Northern Basin could have significant negative impacts for South Australia. The majority of freshwater fish spawn in the Darling and reduced connectivity with the Murray will result in reduced numbers of the fish that are so necessary for survival of our river communities and unique wildlife.’
This vote is the fore-runner to an even more important debate over the Southern Basin Sustainable Diversion Limit and an amendment that could reduce flows in the Southern Basin by a whopping 605GL (over 20%).
The recently released Murray-Darling Declaration, signed by a who’s who of eminent water and economics experts, challenges the effectiveness of infrastructure projects in delivering for our environment.
‘It’s essential that real water comes down the river, not pretend water. Until further rigour around the integrity of proposed projects is established, and it’s guaranteed the South Australia receives the extra 450GL we were promised, there should be no changes to the Plan.’
Media contact: Craig Wilkins, 0417 879 439