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Murray River, Lower Lakes & Coorong
The Murray River, Australia's largest river system, is dying. On its journey south from Tambo in Central Queensland, and down from Mt Kosciusko in New South Wales, to meet the sea at the Murray Mouth near Goolwa in South Australia, the Murray flows through nationally and internationally-list heritage areas such as the RAMSAR wetlands of the Lower Lakes and Coorong. As well as sustaining important ecological communities, the Murray River also provides water for over 3 million people (including Adelaide) and more than 40% of Australia's agricultural production.
Yet this mighty river is in crisis. Where, under natural conditions, more than half the water that entered the river would flow right through to the Murray Mouth, that has now been reduced to a trickle. There are even plans afoot to completely block the River before it reaches the sea. More than half of the river's water is taken for human use, leaving the river's wetlands and native species under threat.
In simple terms, not enough water is flowing down the river because too much water is taken out.
More Information:
Mark's reaction to the proposed Wellington Weir here and here
Campaign information on desalination
Mark's speech in support of the Save Lake Bonney campaign
Short film 'High and Dry' showing the severity of the crisis
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's 'Save the Murray Darling' site
Other Links:
Greens Senators
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As the Murray crosses state borders, a national solution is urgently required. In the short-term, water must be found to keep precious areas like the Lower Lakes and Coorong alive until long term flows are restored. This requires courage and quick action by the Federal Government. We also need to get the management of the river right. The creation of a new National Authority (by 2011) to manage the Murray Darling Basin is a baby step when a giant leap is required. The states will still be able to undermine and veto decisions of the new authority until 2019. The River hasn't got that long. The Greens are seeking a drastic increase in environmental flows back into the Murray-Darling system. We believe that taking account of the effects of climate change, the river needs flows of 3000 gigalitres per year to be revived. Our Greens Senators are working hard to create a genuine solution. Click here to find out the latest from Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. In SA, the Greens believe that Adelaide and regional areas like the Upper Spencer Gulf can no longer rely on the River Murray for their major source of domestic and industrial water, and must develop a plan to wean themselves off the Murray within 10 years. The late, great Professor Peter Cullen of the Wentworth Group said in 2004 we must stop being a hostage to upstream states. We must start planning now before we have no choice. There are many things that we can do to improve our water security. Click here to read our comprehensive plan to reduce our reliance on the Murray.
The Greens have also been active supporting regional communities that rely on the river as their lifeblood – We support the people of Barmera in their campaign to Save Lake Bonney, and the Lower Lakes communities in their campaign to stop the ill-conceived Wellington Weir.
In addition to Mark, there were many Greens in the crowd at the rally to Save the Murray on the steps of Parliament House in August 2008.
Also, Mark has travelled extensively around the Lower lakes region, and met with local residents, to see the damage first hand.
The Greens believe that the River Murray is much more than just the main river channel. Lakes and Wetlands are critical to the overall health of the river, and for the communities that rely on and enjoy them. Building a weir at Wellington is not the solution to the current water crisis. What is needed instead is more water flowing through the whole system, much of which must come from upstream users in New South Wales and Queensland. The Coorong and Lower Lakes area is South Australia's Kakadu. This enchanting habitat is one of the most important Ramsar listed (Wetland of International Significance) sites in Australia, and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. To block off the flow of fresh water is to risk international condemnation – the eyes of the world are on us. On the 10th of October 2009 Mark spoke at "Our Water Our Rights" Rally organised by the Water Action Coalition on the steps of Parliament House. Click here to view a video of Mark's speech. How you can make a difference....
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