Greens call for urgent action on World Wetlands Day - 1 February 2007

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.


Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466