The Greens call for North Coast rivers to continue flowing

Sent: Wednesday, 20 June 2007 9:58 AM
To: media@lists.greens.org.au
Subject: [Greens-Media] Greens call for Clarence, Tweed,Richmond and Mann Rivers to continue flowing.


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
[Received from Senator Bob Brown's office,20 June 2007]