[Greens-Media] Greens will stick to guns on water

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens will stick to guns on water
Tuesday 2nd December 2008

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."

"We are just about to head into a long, hot summer, and the
Commonwealth's insistence of supporting ridiculous projects such as
Victoria's North-South pipeline will not help the already parched Murray
Darling."

"The sensible amendments that were passed through the Senate ensure the
future of Australia's water is properly managed and planned
effectively," said Senator Siewert.

"Prime Minister Rudd is reacting to short term politics on this
important issue, rather than having the far sighted vision that
struggling river communities desperately need."

Senator Siewert confirmed that the Greens will insist on their
amendments when the Bill is returned to the Senate later today.

"The Greens are not putting up the white flag on the Murray Darling. The
community is behind this reasonable approach to saving one of our
greatest river systems - it is now up to the Government to see sense,"
she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180