[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Buy water now to save Coorong

[Parnell]

Media Release
20th February 2008

Buy water now to save Coorong


Greens MLC Mark Parnell has called on the Rann Government to lead by
example and immediately buy River Murray water entitlements to ensure
emergency flows reach the Coorong.

"This is a national and international crisis and it's happening in our
backyard, and on our watch.  SA's Kakadu is dying before our eyes. 

"Just as SA lead the way with container deposit legislation, and is now
leading again with solar feed-in laws, South Australia can and must
start buying water now for essential environmental flows.

"To wait for a national response risks further delays and inaction.  The
Coorong and Lower Lakes desperately need fresh water now, not in six
months time," Mark Parnell said.

The need for urgent action echoes similar calls from environmentalists
and the Wentworth Group of Scientists.

"The situation is desperate.  It is increasingly clear the new Federal
Labor Government will not produce the urgent solution required to deal
with the current emergency facing the Coorong.  More water is
desperately needed now, and the quickest, most efficient way to get that
water is for the Governments at both a state and federal level to enter
the market and buy water entitlements.

"While we wait for Federal action, the State Government can show the
way. 

"I can think of no better way to use the 'Save the Murray Fund'.  If we
don't act soon, there will be very little of the Murray river system
left to 'save'," he said.


	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	



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