South Australia’s escalating water crisis has been elevated into the election spotlight with a new front-page campaign in The Advertiser urging political parties to restore the River Murray – the state’s lifeline during drought.
After a long, dry summer and record-low rainfall, the campaign highlights just how critical the river is to millions of people, particularly South Australians. The River Murray provides half of Adelaide’s drinking water and supports the state’s industries, tourism and wildlife.
Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance National Director Craig Wilkins said:
“This election we’re asking people to vote as if the future of the river depends on it – because it does.”
“With the current Murray-Darling Basin Plan nearing its end, the next Federal Government will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset the future of the river system. So we’re urging all parties to make a renewed commitment to the river as part of their election platforms.
“We need a new plan for the Murray-Darling that restores at least 30% of rivers and wetlands by 2030, in line with international nature protection commitments.
“As the driest state in the driest inhabited continent, the future of South Australia is tied to the health of the River Murray. When our rivers run dry, tourism and fishing industries collapse. We’re not just losing fish, we’re also losing jobs, businesses and entire communities.
“But if we let the river flow with increased commitments and better management, then the wetlands can bounce back, native fish and waterbirds can return and communities can thrive. This election is our chance to turn things around.”
Coorong fisherman Glen Hill said:
“During the Millennium Drought, I stood in parts of the river that used to be extraordinary fish places, extraordinary bird places, that were now a dust storm, bawling my eyes out like a little kid. I just don’t want to go back there again.
“When they take too much water upstream, we’re the ones who suffer. We need to let the river be a river and do its job – and that means making sure enough water flows into SA.”
The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance is a national coalition focused on protecting the Murray-Darling Basin’s rivers, wetlands, and wildlife. It comprises conservation councils in SA, NSW, Victoria, QLD and the ACT.
Media contacts
James Norman, media advisor, j.norman@environmentvictoria.org.au
Craig Wilkins, National Director, Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance,
craig@mdca.org.au