We need action not excuses to save our Lakes

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has today called on Federal Water Minister, Senator Penny Wong, to stop playing with the Lower Lakes future, and start taking responsibility for the communities in need.

Yesterday, Minister Wong confirmed that the $200 million to save the Lower Lakes and Coorong was still sitting in a Federal Government account, awaiting a "lasting solution" from the State Government, despite the devastating risk of acidification.

"Time and time again, I have heard from locals concerned about the lack of community consultation into the future of their Lakes," said Senator Hanson-Young

"It's time for Minister Wong to stop the buck passing, and provide the Lower Lakes communities with the support they need..

Senator Hanson-Young said that it is time the Federal Water Minister along with Minister Garrett took a trip down to the Lower Lakes and Coorong, to witness first hand the dire state of our RAMSAR listed wetlands.

"It's simply not good enough for the Federal Government to sit back and wait for their state counterparts to hand down a 'lasting solution' to save the Lower Lakes, without listening to the experts and locals in the area.

"Our Lower Lakes are at crisis point. Minister Wong must start acting to save the Lower Lakes, and prove once and for all, that a non-saltwater solution is the first priority.

"There is no use Ministers sitting on their hands praying for rain. It's time to start purchasing permanent environmental allocations for the Lakes - let's see that money put to work."

Today, Senator Hanson-Young will meet with locals and community leaders in the Lower Lakes, to discuss the continued lack of action to save our internationally renowned wetlands.

Media contact: Emily Johnson on 0427 604 760