World Wetlands Day: an empty vessel without environmental flows - 2 February 2010

Greens MP Ian Cohen is calling on the NSW Government to revive the State’s most neglected wetlands on World Wetlands Day (2 February 2010) through better water management and more effective environmental flows.

“What better way to celebrate World Wetlands Day than renewing a commitment to some of the State’s most neglected wetlands. With harsh drought conditions and climate change threatening our treasured natural wetlands, the Keneally Government must take a more considered and proactive stance on wetland protection,” says Mr Cohen.

“During the last 4 months while the Lachlan River has been closed at Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo - an animal and bird sanctuary - has become a dust bowl harbouring the remains of thousands of dead fish.”

“While the drought may be beyond our control, better management of water resources on the Lachlan River could have mitigated the Lake Cargelligo fish kill. I will be making a submission to the current Natural Resource Management Committee Inquiry into Water Management in a hope that we can avoid the further destruction of wetland systems through better water management.”

“The internationally significant wetlands within the River Red Gums of the State’s south west are also in desperate need of a drink. The recent Natural Resources Commission report on the region stated that 1200 Gigaltires (GL) of environmental water flows will be required to bring the wetlands and forests back to health.”

“Successive State of the Environment reports have illustrated a serious decline in wetland health across the State. This isn’t surprising considering the Keneally Government’s predisposition to delivering water for industrial and extractive industry users without adequate consideration for adaptive environmental water needs.”

“A number of Catchment Management Authorities, local environmental groups and WetlandCare Australia are holding community information days and tours to celebrate World Wetlands Day which is fantastic. This community passion for our wetlands needs to be supported by sensible State Government water and environmental management.”

(Picture © Greg McInnes, Lake Cargelligo January 2010).