Sample Branch resolution on Murray-Darling

Protecting the Murray Darling Basin

The rivers of the Murray Darling basin are suffering significantly as a consequence of our irrigation practices. Native fish numbers are at an all time low, river redgums are dying, and the vast wetlands in which our native birds nest are drying up, jeopardising bird breeding and survival. Graziers no longer receive the floodwaters they require to renew pasture for their stock, and algae and salinity problems are worsening.

Governments must act to preserve the economic and environmental benefits of these rivers for future generations by ensuring that there is sufficient water in the rivers and that the rivers are managed to mimic the natural wetting and drying patterns of Australian rivers.

Accordingly -- this branch:

1. Notes that scientists working with the Murray Darling Basin Commission have determined that a "healthy working river" and its floodplain requires at least two thirds of its natural flow if it is to retain the ability to sustain its plant and animal life. Most, if not all of the rivers in the Murray Darling Basin flow at less than this rate as a result of irrigation activity, with the Murray River itself averaging about one third of its natural flow.

2. Notes the positive economic benefits of a healthy river system including long term agricultural productivity and tourism opportunities.

3. Welcomes the commitment from federal Labor to return 1500GL to the Murray.

4. Supports compliance by the states with the "Murray Darling Basin Cap"- which requires the states to cap water use at 1993 levels of use

5. Advocates the immediate allocation of substantial resources by Commonwealth and State Governments to increase river flows to healthy levels, including funding to purchase water directly from farmers and the establishment of binding targets to improve flows over the coming decade.

6. Advocates protection for floodplains by state governments, including stricter regulation of levy banks and channels, which interrupt the natural flow of water.

7. Opposes establishing property rights for water for irrigators as envisaged by the National Water Initiative until a clear pathway to sustainable use has been established. The pathway may be funded by government, water users, or by a combination of sources.

8. Calls on governments to ensure that water shortages resulting from climate change do not result in reduced environmental flows and instead are accommodated by changes to human water use patterns

9. Urges the NSW Government to expand the ecological research on this matter and encourage its scientists to publish their results and work co-operatively with other research groups such as universities.

If passed, please forward a copy to Opposition Leader Kim Beazley MP, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600.

Please also inform LEAN of your resolution at leannsw@bigpond.net.au, or PO Box 118, Mascot, 1460.