Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen today called on the NSW Government to implement a robust floodplain water harvesting policy state-wide in response to reports of environmental water theft in the Macquarie Marshes.
“The Macquarie Marshes are the most significant inland wetlands in Australia, and both state and federal governments have obligations under international treaties to maintain the integrity of this highly significant area.
“As local disputes between irrigators and graziers hot up on the issue of who’s responsible for taking too much water, environmental flows into the Macquarie Marshes decline.” Mr Cohen said.
“This is an iconic, internationally recognised wetland, if the state and federal governments cannot save it then Australian biodiversity is in big trouble.
“The point that needs to be made here is that there is too much water extraction going on in this river system and it’s threatening this Ramsar listed ecosystem.
“The over extraction has been going on for so long that it’s been many years now since there has been a bird breeding season in the marshes.
“This is the same issue that is affecting virtually every other ecosystem in the state that depends on agricultural producers sharing water with the environment.
“What this current dispute on the Macquarie River highlights is the need for a robust floodplain harvesting policy state-wide, with adequate resources to enforce the law and stop water theft from these magnificent ecosystems.” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
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