Professor Richard Kingsford, the Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science at UNSW Sydney is available to comment on the new deal to pass legislation to amend the Murray-Darling Basin plan.
Prof. Kingsford said:
"This is a historic opportunity to realise sustainability for the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin. The challenges of delivering on the agreed quantities of environmental of water for the environment by previous Commonwealth and state governments effectively stalled restoration of the rivers of the Murray-Darling. Agreeing to buybacks from willing sellers provides that opportunity to reinstate and achieve those targets and help restore the rivers. Guaranteeing the 450GL in law will make all governments accountable for the national environmental asset. The Murray-Darling rivers are a national asset for all Australians and particularly those communities including First Nations people that rely on these rivers. We have to avoid catastrophic fish kills and future effects of climate change. The commitment to auditing is welcomed. We need to be able to know where the water goes and not just rely on modelling. Providing flexibility to access water for the environment from the Northern Basin is important because it realises the value of the floodplains and rivers of the Darling-Baaka with major wetlands of international importance like the Macquarie Marshes, Gwydir wetlands and Narran Lakes. Passing this legislation will provide the future road map for the rivers, their environments and people."
- Professor Richard Kingsford, Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Sydney
- Member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, Councillor of the Biodiversity Council
- Contact: Richard.kingsford@unsw.edu.au, 0419634215
