[Greens-Media] Ord River irrigation expansion needs careful planning: Greens

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Ord River irrigation expansion needs careful planning: Greens
Tuesday 16th December 2008

The Australian Greens today expressed their deep concern over expansion
of the Ord River irrigation project in North Western Australia,
following Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's announcement of funding under the
Federal Government's infrastructure package.

"The Rudd Government need to stop and look at the bigger picture, before
rushing into large-scale irrigation projects in Northern Australia,"
said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"We are in danger of rushing headlong into developing the north without
heeding the lessons of the past, which have led to widespread loss of
biodiversity and land and water degradation."

"Australians should not be convinced by the Prime Minister's rhetoric of
expanding the food bowl, given that previous attempts to get this
project up have failed, with the last two attempts based on single crop
monocultures by corporations."

"What guarantee do we have that this area is not going to be used for
cotton crops operated by corporate farmers?"

"Instead of rushing into developing infrastructure that may not be
environmentally or economically sound, we should be investing wisely in
truly sustainable agriculture and sustainable development of Northern
Australia," she concluded.

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