Wednesday December 18, 2024
Murray-Darling Basin governments have been urged to deliver projects to reconnect rivers after a new roadmap was released today, laying out a pathway for natural flows to revive floodplains and wetlands in Australia's largest river system.
The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance, representing conservation councils in NSW, Victoria, ACT, QLD and South Australia, welcomed the release of the MDBA's Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap (PDF), but echoed the sentiment of landholders quoted in the report who "just want the projects to be rolled out and the infrastructure delivered".
Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance National Director Craig Wilkins said:
"We've all been waiting 10 years for these projects that will deliver more water to wetlands and floodplains so that fish and birds can breed, river red gums can get a regular drink, and the Murray Darling can start being restored to health.
"We can feel the frustration of many people consulted for this report who have told governments to 'just get on with it'.
"With waterbird numbers plummeting 50% since last year in the most recent count, we're concerned the Murray-Darling hasn't bounced back despite decent rainfall during La Nina years.
"One big reason we're not seeing the recovery expected is that old rules and outdated infrastructure are keeping water within the river channel instead of the small, regular overbank flows that would revive the wider floodplain.
"This roadmap shows the path forward but we need the Commonwealth and state governments to step up and drive it."
Mel Gray from Nature Conservation Council NSW said:
"We have disrupted an important ecosystem process, and as a result the wetlands and floodplains of the Murrumbidgee and Murray are in decline. To reverse this ecological collapse, it is vital that environmental water be allowed to soak into the country, replenish wetlands and get creeks running again.
"The land along the rivers is rich and valuable to people and wildlife because it has been regularly watered for thousands of years.
"These projects have multiple benefits, for the community and for the rivers and wetlands of the Basin. It is an opportunity for landholders to flood proof their properties up to minor flood level, which could increase their property value and decrease insurance premiums.
Greg Foyster, Rivers and Nature Campaign Manager at Environment Victoria said:
"Last year federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek showed how she could bring along state governments and the crossbench to reach a new agreement, and we'd like to see the same ambition and leadership brought to bear on this important issue of reconnecting rivers with more natural flows.
"We're pleased to see the roadmap includes some important governance reforms like a Program Board with an independent chair, assurance measures, key results and an Independent Panel to coordinate efforts along the Murray.
"However it's concerning that the flow rates to be considered are dramatically lower than the original range, reducing the environmental benefits.
"After ten years of stalled progress, the wetlands and wildlife of our greatest river system are crying out for more natural flows and we urge governments to finally get on with the job."
