Greens will stick to guns on water

The Rudd Government need to see sense on the Commonwealth Water Act, and adopt reasonable amendments passed by the Senate, say the Australian Greens.

"I am dismayed at Prime Minister Rudd's attitude to the future security of the Murray Darling Basin," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Our leading scientists are warning that we need to significantly reduce water use within the Murray-Darling Basin in the face of a significant and serious reduction in projected levels of run-off as a result of climate change."

"We are just about to head into a long, hot summer, and the Commonwealth's insistence of supporting ridiculous projects such as Victoria's North-South pipeline will not help the already parched Murray Darling."

"The sensible amendments that were passed through the Senate ensure the future of Australia's water is properly managed and planned effectively," said Senator Siewert.

"Prime Minister Rudd is reacting to short term politics on this important issue, rather than having the far sighted vision that
struggling river communities desperately need."

Senator Siewert confirmed that the Greens will insist on their amendments when the Bill is returned to the Senate later today.

"The Greens are not putting up the white flag on the Murray Darling. The community is behind this reasonable approach to saving one of our greatest river systems - it is now up to the Government to see sense," she concluded.

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