Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper
A program of the River, Lakes & Coorong Action Group Inc (RLCAG)
THE STORY SO FAR:
As the Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper group prepare for the first birthday celebrations on
Determined that the project should not go ahead, the Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper group ran an extensive campaign to raise public awareness of the detrimental impacts such a weir will have on the surrounding river system. This included a recent forum on what may happen if the weir goes ahead, and included 40 people signing a letter against the weir that has since been forwarded to the South Australian Premiere.
The South Australian Government responded to the campaign by delaying implementation of its plans for construction of the weir. The group was also successful in lobbying former Water Minister Malcolm Turnbull for a full environmental impact study into the proposed weir. The group is currently waiting to hear back from this and to see if the weirs construction will still go ahead.
Depending on which way the decision goes, the Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper are exploring options to take legal action against construction of the weir in the High Court.
The group also has campaigned for an end to the
PLAN FOR 2008:
As the Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper group moves into their second year, the plan is to continue to raise public awareness and draw attention to the plight of water health in the region, which extends the vast territory from Lock 1 on the River Murray near Blanchetown right down to the mouth of the Murray and Coorong.
This will be achieved through the following ways:
- Preparation of a special newsletter commemorating the groups successful first twelve months.
- Attempting to arrange meetings with new Senators Nick Zenophon and Penny Wong, to discuss their concerns regarding the weir and over water allocation within the region.
- Working towards raising support and funding for the Waterkeeper program.
- Seeking sponsorship to obtain a boat; which will help to play a vital role in raising awareness of the areas water health.
- Applying to the SA Office of Volunteers for a grant.The application has two objectives: to promote the work of the organisation through the production of a video demonstrating the need for community engagement with the issues facing the River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong; and reecruit participants who can provide various forms of support, and be actively involved in programs at a local and regional level.
- Plan to combine photographic records of what is happening on the river with scientific information that may later be used as a powerful tool in showing what is happening on the river as a result of the drought and over water allocation.
GETTING INVOLVED:
To become a member of the Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper group you can contact Waterkeeper Paul Davis. Membership costs $10 per household or person. As a member you will help in providing assistance to the group’s campaign to raise awareness of the plight of water in the area, as well as in monitoring the rivers condition.
Help the Coorong Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper, go to the Get Active page for full details.
An update on the groups activities can be found at Coorong Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper Update
Check out the latest Media Release Here
Contact:
Coorong, Lakes and Murray Waterkeeper
(River Lakes and Coorong Action Group Inc)
Paul Davis - Waterkeeper
waterkeeper@riverlakescoorong.com.au
PO Box 73
Milang SA 5256
0414 560 748
