Greens won’t give up on Lakes and Coorong communities

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government to set up a taskforce to get solutions underway for the stricken Lower Lakes and Coorong, saying that the Greens will continue to stand up for the communities of the lower Murray. The Australian Greens have released a minority report on the Water Management in the Lower Lakes and Coorong Inquiry, recommending 60 gigalitres of fresh water be sourced from the 1500 gigalitres currently available in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. “The Government has just run up the white flag on this issue,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“It will be the communities around the lakes and Coorong, who are already struggling, who will pay the biggest price. “If you actually look at the evidence that was presented by witnesses at the Inquiry hearings, it’s clear to see that there is enough accessible water in the basin to ensure that we don’t go past the critical tipping point. “What’s missing from this sorry situation is the political will.

It beggars belief that the Government thinks it’s all too hard to source just 60 gigalitres to tide these communities over until spring next year, while we make the necessary changes for the longer-term.” Senator Hanson-Young said that aside from the environmental catastrophe that will ensue if more fresh water is not brought down to the lower Murray, there will be a disastrous impact on the economic and social fabric of the lower Murray communities. “During the Inquiry we heard from those who live and work around the Lakes and Coorong of the acute impact being felt by the business and wider communities there,” she said. “The Coorong Council tells us that a school there has lost a fifth of their enrolments as young families move elsewhere for better opportunities.

The real estate market and tourism industry are both dramatically down on previous years. “This the human impact of environmental mismanagement.” Senator Hanson-Young called again for a taskforce to be set up to assess the scientific, engineering and economic options for securing the long-term health of the Coorong and Lower Lakes, as was moved for by the Senate last month. “With the unexpectedly good rain over winter, we dodged a bullet,” she said.

“We cannot waste this opportunity to get things right. “Let’s move from talk to action, set up this taskforce, and get solutions underway for the sake of our Storm Boy country.” For more information: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760. Mon Oct 2008 01:10 (1 month, 1 week ago)