The Murray River has no certain future despite projects announced today by the State and Federal governments to improve its condition, NSW Greens Upper House MP Ian Cohen said today.
“Warm and fuzzy announcements won’t protect the Murray River,” Mr Cohen said.
“Programs to combat erosion, pollution and salinity are important, but they ignore the continued large scale clear felling of iconic river Red Gums along the Murray. The loss of these trees will have devastating consequences that will mean farmers and the environment will lose in the long run.
“The money would be better spent on an audit of current levels of land clearing in the vicinity of the Murray River.
Sharks left without protection
The Grey Nurse Shark was also left out in the cold in today’s announcement to continue monitoring localised and migratory movements of the species, Mr Cohen said.
“The Grey Nurse Shark needs action, not just continual monitoring. This lack of leadership on this issue shows the NSW Government is pandering to the commercial and recreational fishing lobbies in the lead up to the next State election.
“But the NSW government should immediately implement 1,500m no-take zones around the key habitats of the Grey Nurse, rather than simply spending more money on monitoring projects.”
“It’s encouraging to see federal and state governments working together on environmental issues. But the focus of some of the projects announced today needs to be shifted for a real win for our natural heritage.”
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