Greens call for urgent action on World Wetlands Day

The parched wetlands of NSW face destruction if state and federal governments do not immediately deliver co-ordinated action to return environmental water to them, said Greens MLC and environment spokesperson Ian Cohen on the eve of World Wetlands Day.

“The Ramsar listed Macquarie Marshes and Gwydir wetlands, which contain enormous biodiversity and are important nesting sites for countless bird species, will die due to insufficient water unless something is done urgently.” Mr Cohen said.

“Irrigators have for too long been removing too much water from our river systems. This, together with the drought, means that the wetlands are on the brink of collapse. The Iemma government can give the wetlands a chance of being restored by immediately committing to buying back sufficient water licences, together with the federal government, under the National Water Initiative. The Marshes need an additional 140,000 megalitres if they are to have a shot at survival.

“The NSW government must also crack down on activities such as illegal floodplain harvesting, which stops water reaching wetlands. There have been reports of unscrupulous operators pumping water into their dams following the releases of environmental water for the wetlands. Such activities must be stopped

“There has not been a successful breeding season for many bird species in the Macquarie Marshes since 2000. This is a sure sign of the desperate state of the wetlands.

“Wetlands host huge biodiversity and are a unique part of our cultural and natural heritage. Once they are gone, they cannot be re-created. It is imperative that the government acts now, before it is too late to save our precious wetlands.” Mr Cohen said.