Murray plan failing SA: environment groups

South Australia Environment Groups Deliver Position Statement on Murray-Darling Basin Plan to Premier Jay Weatherill

27/07/2012 - Environment groups have today delivered a united position statement to the SA Premier Mr Jay Weatherill.

Speaking from Victoria square in Adelaide Peter Owen, Wilderness Society (SA) campaign manager said:

“The Murray- Position Statement we are launching today is a clear declaration of what South Australian groups want from the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in order to deliver a healthy River. The Plan must be consistent with the Water Act 2007 and based on best available science. We are urging Premier Weatherill to take our message to Canberra.”

The leading environment groups in South Australia have signed the statement and there is agreement that the current Murray-Darling basin plan proposal falls short of what is needed to deliver a healthy river.

“South Australian organisations are speaking with one voice for a healthy river.  We know we cannot afford a Basin Plan that locks in failure. We are calling on the other Basin States and all Australians to join us. The Plan must deliver a sustainable future for our River, for our communities, for all Australians.” - Professor Diane Bell

Referring to the amount of water to be returned to the Murray by the plan, currently proposed at 2750 gigalitres (GL), Conservation Council Chief Executive Tim Kelly said:

"Our bottom line is ‘4000+’: model a return of 4000 GL and higher; return 4000 GL and higher; undertake feasibility studies regarding the so-called ‘constraints’ to delivering 4000+ GL."

To read the position statement click here to download the PDF.

Read the Full Media Release

To read more about the proposed Murray-Darling basin plan and what is needed for a healthy river check out:

$10 billion Murray-Darling Basin Plan still won't save the river