Director of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Institute for Land, Water and Society, Professor Max Finlayson, has criticised the long-term ecological value of the Murray-Darling Basin agreement signed yesterday, Thursday 3 July in Sydney.

 

“The COAG agreement for the Murray-Darling Basin is being lauded by business and the communities that will benefit from the significant water projects.

 

“Yes, better water business is needed, but much more needs to be done. While the water businesses such as water supply firms and irrigation farms can now look to a much needed boost, conservationists and ecological researchers are bemoaning another missed opportunity. There is a lot of money being allocated to redress some of the stupidities of the past – but what about the Murray River itself?”

 

“The ecological condition of the river has deteriorated to an extent where we may lose some of its iconic features. We have seen ecological disasters in other countries dealing with water, such as the Aral Sea in the former Soviet Union or the Mesopotamian marshes in Iraq.