The Rudd Government need to see sense on the Commonwealth Water Act, and adopt reasonable amendments passed by the Senate, say the Australian Greens.
"I am dismayed at Prime Minister Rudd's attitude to the future security of the Murray Darling Basin," said Senator Rachel Siewert.
"Our leading scientists are warning that we need to significantly reduce water use within the Murray-Darling Basin in the face of a significant and serious reduction in projected levels of run-off as a result of climate change." Read more »
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for Victorian Premier John Brumby to stick to the facts on Murray-Darling water and not resort to public relations spin.
“South Australians, who have less water, will be appalled that professional public relations staff from the Victorian Premier’s office have been ‘spinning’ journalists in South Australia to ramp up support for Victoria’s North-South Pipeline,” she said.
“It’s a tactic which South Australians will see straight through.” Read more »
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says that salt water flooding of South Australia’s Lower Lakes would be environmentally, socially and economically disastrous for lower Murray communities.
The South Australian Government has requested advance approval from its federal counterparts to let sea water into Lakes Alexandrina and Albert if the drought continues.
“Sea water flooding of the Lower Lakes would be nothing less than disastrous for this cherished part of South Australia,” she said. Read more »
The Federal Government should adopt a Senate amendment to the Water Act that protects fertile farming land from mining, according to the Greens.
Senator Brown today successfully moved amendments to the Act originally proposed by the Independent Member for New England, Tony Windsor in the lower house.
Last month Senator Brown and Mr Windsor visited farmers at Caroona, near Tamworth, who are strongly opposed to plans by BHP to mine coal in the area. It's feared the mining may damage local hydrology and greatly affect the productivity of surrounding farms. Read more »
The Greens, Coalition & independents have come together to unite in the need for immediate action on the Murray Darling Basin.
Senator Rachel Siewert (Greens spokesperson on water), Greg Hunt MP (opposition Environment Minister) & Senator Nick Xenophon (Independent) joined GetUp! National Director Simon Sheik in Canberra yesterday to call for Government action on the Water Bill and save the Murray Darling. Read more »
The Senate today passed more important, common-sense Green amendments to the Water Bill, enabling better management of water in the Murray Darling Basin, said Australian Greens spokesperson on water, Senator Rachel Siewert.
These included: Read more »
The Australian Greens today expressed concern about the Government's Commonwealth Water Act, saying there is a need for further work in the detail.
"The Greens are concerned that this legislation will not deliver the reform needed to solve the Murray-Darling water crisis," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.
The Greens have outlined a number of serious shortcomings, including: Read more »
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