Iemma urged to reject Turnbull's plan

Media Release
Saturday, 13 January 2007

Iemma urged to reject Turnbull's short-sighted water plan

The federal government's emergency water plan is a quick political fix that risks destroying the Murray Darling Basin ecosystem and bringing disaster to the smaller farmers and communities that depend on it, according to Greens MP Lee Rhiannon.

Ms Rhiannon said: "The emergency plan might work for the Howard government's political cycle but it would be a catastrophe for the lifecycle of communities in the Basin.

"Instead it is time to get tough on cotton. The future ability of the Murray Darling system to deliver quality water is being compromised to prop up big irrigators and their massive profits.

"If the Iemma government signs off on this plan, the system will be moved one step closer to collapse, with devastating algal blooms, widespread fish kills and the destruction of many wetlands.

"A dead river system cannot supply water that communities can use.

"The future of the townships and cities that depend on the system is being traded off to get the federal government through the next election.

"The Greens are calling on Premier Iemma to derail the plan by refusing to sign it. He can use NSW's position at the table to drive a far better deal for smaller farmers and communities and for the long term health of the Murray Darling.

"The cotton industry is highly profitable but it is draining the river system at the expense of its health and the survival of other water users. The NSW government must take a stand against the cotton barons.

"At the same time that the Howard government is driving us towards a dead river, Peter Beattie is trying to sell another 8 billion litres out of the Warrego.

"The Premier Iemma's ability to show real leadership on water is on trial," Ms Rhiannon said.