Murray River
Posted by: supababe
1st Jun 2009 11:47pm
Why are we still waiting?
We have had countless media reports about the river dying, the water drying up and the water going alkaline, but what exactly is being done?
The government still want to build the weir at Clayton/Wellington, but is this just another bandaid, or will it make matters worse like ecologists are saying?
What about the millions of dollars that was allocated with the John Howard government, has it been spend or was it shelved with the new government?
Nick Xenathon stalled the stimulus packages until a deal was met for the river, was happened with that?
What the??
We have had countless media reports about the river dying, the water drying up and the water going alkaline, but what exactly is being done?
The government still want to build the weir at Clayton/Wellington, but is this just another bandaid, or will it make matters worse like ecologists are saying?
What about the millions of dollars that was allocated with the John Howard government, has it been spend or was it shelved with the new government?
Nick Xenathon stalled the stimulus packages until a deal was met for the river, was happened with that?
What the??
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Comments 13
ciaobella
I think there is a misconception about the Murray River drying up. Apparently , the area has been in a 10 year drought and the state of the river is normal when this period of drought occurs. Unfortunately, the misinformation from the 'greenies' and so called 'environmentalists' has shrouded the whole debate. The farmers, who depend on the river, are all taking care with the water they are being allocated but if the government succeeds with its latest bill, then we will truly see a waste of water. Most of it will only run out to sea, however the effects on the farming country will spell despair not only for the farmers but we who depend on its produce.
possum
Do the government care ,i dont think so .they only care about themselves the country is going down the tubes and they just gave themselves a pay rise .
sparkle
I think that it is a shame if this is true about the murray river, i lived in Adelaide back in 97 and spent some time by the Murray, it was so beautiful with the cockatoos by the riverside.
lenmayco
Like many studies by Government, this has been a run and catch up thing. We need to be aware what effect years of drought has on the Murray System but the plan that is developed needs to take in the whole picture not just respond to the drought years. There sure needs to be a common sense overall response.
spoof
I wonder how many people know that the Pollies put their pay up over the Election period, slightly underhanded, hmmmm. Meanwhile Rome burns or should we say the Murray Dries up. Fiddlers in Canberra are a dime a dozen, not one of them have come through the hard yards and know what others have to struggle through. We need action, but funny how it is always too late in coming and then costs the taxpayer twice or more as much to resolve. (no doubt whilst they increase their pays again for finally making a decision.)
mel
l tink the government would rather spend our money on themselves rather than on something viable!
Bob
The problem is that everyone wants there little bit of the system. With properties putting in dams, farmers taking water for irrigation. Dams/Weirs being built to supply water for towns etc.
Have a look at how the river would have flowed before all this took place and that is where the problem lies.
Until we allow mother nature to work her wonders, and stop taking the water away the river systems will never be able to get back to what they were.
The problem there is that we need to find a happy medium that is able to satisfy both sides - Supply of water (farmers/towns/cities) and a healthy river system.
spoof
Hopefully the recent flooding in the North will bring a new supply to the Murray and flush the River system that so very much needs to be flushed. I am astonished that the Australian Government has neglected this important River System for so many years and are only now thinking about the consequences of taking no action. Wake up those that make a livlihood from the Murray, Darling System and those that use it recreationally, once it dries up, that will be the end and no one will even know in a hundred years that it existed. When at school I remember the Murray as being noted as one of the most important river systems in the world, it was Australia's first artery of commerce and may one day be required again for that purpose. I'm hopeful that the cotton farmers have now filled their dams and are less reliant on this precious water and will now permit it's flow to return to normal, but I expect without implementing more regulations, Greed will win out every time. Wake UP! Oh! I'm no Greeny, but this is an issue that I feel strongly about having lived near the Murray, used it and have seen first hand how it and nature are suffering due to limited flow, if any at times.
wilhamina
We can only hope that you are right, but I fear that greed and infiighting will take over from commonsense. A once mighty river is struggling to survive, and we just sit and watch it happen. Not much use in putting faith in politicians, of either ilk, a river cannot vote so why would they bother.
The Greens make a lot of noise, but I have not seen them taking up the Murray's cause, more interested in getting their members into Parliament.
spoof
Hopefully the recent flooding in the North will bring a new supply to the Murray and flush the River system that so very much needs to be flushed. I am astonished that the Australian Government has neglected this important River System for so many years and are only now thinking about the consequences of taking no action. Wake up those that make a livlihood from the Murray, Darling System and those that use it recreationally, once it dries up, that will be the en
Anonymous
I'm not an Australian but visit your country often. New Zealanders shortsightedness is very evident as well. We flog things for tourism then wonder why we end up killing the golden goose!
ValmaL
Waiting waiting while the polies play politics.
karlenesoh
I think that the new weir will make matters worse like ecologists are saying as it is yet another unnatural thing happening to the poor river which is just trying to survive, But if the Mildura council was not so greedy and self centered they would help the people on the other side of the river instead of playing the silly games about who owns the river victoria or NSW Until they start working together and make the decision that they both have to take care of the river and spend their precious government money on it nothing is going to be done.