[Greens-Media] Greens call for Clarence, Tweed, Richmond and Mann Rivers to continue flowing.

[Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)]

Greens call for Clarence, Tweed, Richmond and Mann Rivers to continue
flowing.

20.06.07

Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales Kerry Nettle today called
for the Clarence, Tweed, Richmond and Mann Rivers to be able to continue
flowing.

"The Greens proposed a motion to the Senate calling for the government
to pursue water efficiency and recycling rather than dam the rivers of
northern NSW, but the Government opposed the motion," Senator Nettle
said.

"The government should be allowing these rivers to keep flowing rather
than proposing to dam them.

"The government today opposed a Greens motion calling for rainwater
tanks and water recycling. The Government is acting irresponsibly.

"The government should stop opposing common sense measures that will
increase water security for all Australians.

"The Greens support sustainable long term solutions to water scarcity
that the government continues to ignore at its peril." Senator Nettle
said. 

The Motion reads, that the Senate:
(1)	notes the impact of reduced rainfall on inflows into river
systems in Northern NSW due to the combined effects of climate change
and drought;
(2)	notes that serious water management issues already exist in
these systems, including problems with over-allocation of water
resources;
(3)	notes the economic value of the range of industries that depend
on these systems - from dairy farms on the floodplains through to
commercial fisheries;
(4)	calls on the Federal Government to abandon plans for damming the
Clarence, Tweed, Richmond and Mann Rivers;
(5)	calls on the Federal Government to work with local communities,
local water authorities and state governments in developing alternative
sources to meet increasing demand, such as rainwater tanks, stormwater
capture and storage, and recycling.

More Information: Kristian Bolwell 0411638320