Murray Darling Catchment

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the agreement by state and
federal water ministers today to flood the Murray's lower lakes with
seawater in a worst-case scenario of low rainfall is an environmentally,
socially and economically disastrous option that should not be
considered.

Senator Hanson-Young said there were better options than saltwater

The Australian Greens today expressed concern about the Government's Commonwealth Water Act, saying there is a need for further work in the detail.

"The Greens are concerned that this legislation will not deliver the reform needed to solve the Murray-Darling water crisis," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says it is understandable that groups in the Lower Murray are considering legal action against the State and Federal Governments, given the desperate environmental, social and economic situation those communities are facing.

The Australian Greens today accused Water Minister, Penny Wong of being disingenuous in blaming the delay of  national water legislation on the Greens.

"The fact of the matter is that Federal and State Governments have been slow to reach agreement, and slow to get legislation into our State and Federal Parliaments," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the Greens will continue to stand up for the communities of the Lower Lakes and Coorong and step up the call for fresh water flows to the parched lower Murray, despite the majority report from a Senate Inquiry saying there is not enough water in the system to help the situation.

Australia's iconic Coorong wetlands and the Murray River's Lower Lakes can be saved from collapse - according to a minority Senate report released today.

Australian Greens Senators Rachel Siewert (WA) and Sarah Hanson-Young
(SA) today released a minority Senate report, with Senator Nick Xenophon (SA).

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young today told a rally of hundreds of concerned South Australians that "business as  usual" for the River Murray has to change for the survival of river communities, as well as the river itself.

"We are all legitimate water users," Senator Hanson-Young said.

"It's time we started sharing what water we do have more fairly - and that includes giving the river its fair share.

 
The Australian Greens today outlined the benefits of the Senate Inquiry into the Coorong and Lower Lakes, at the final hearing of its first stage in Canberra today.
 

The Australian Greens today indicated they intend to refer the 300 page Water Amendments Bill to a Senate Committee inquiry.
 
"This is a crucial piece of legislation in addressing the crisis in the Murray Darling Basin and delivering sustainability and long-term viability to the communities and the ecosystems of the Basin," said Senator Siewert.
 

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today gave notice of a motion calling on Environment Minister Peter Garrett to reconsider the north-south pipeline in Victoria.

The motion reads: