Parts of Murray River listed as critically endangered
Parts of Australia’s longest river have been listed as critically endangered.
The federal government listed the Lower Murray River under national environmental law following the advice of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
The environmental listing will cover the area downstream of where the Murray River meets the Darling River in NSW and will include waterways, floodplains, wetlands and vegetation.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said the listing would enable a coordinated response from all levels of government to protect the area.
“Despite the efforts of governments and communities, the Lower Murray is under great stress and we need to do more to protect and restore it,” Senator Watt told reporters in South Australia on Thursday. he said.
“A healthy Murray River is crucial for our environment, agriculture, tourism and communities – both in South Australia and across the country.”
The committee’s recommendation on the endangered listing said the region faces pressures from changes in water flow, invasive species and loss of native vegetation.
Senator Watt said the listing would not impact farmers’ ability to carry out regular duties on properties in the area.
More comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of major developments proposed for the Lower Murray will be required.
“The impacts of upstream management decisions made over the last century and the devastating effects of natural events such as the millennium drought have placed enormous pressure on the ecological communities in this part of the southern basin,” Senator Watt said.
The area was listed as endangered by the Rudd government in 2013, but this was later repealed under prime minister Tony Abbott.
The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance has welcomed the decision to list the area as endangered.
“This listing is long overdue and extremely important as the public phase of the 10-year review of the basin plan is about to begin,” said Craig Wilkins, co-national director of the alliance.
“It recognizes that the Murray River is not just a water source or economic resource, but a living ecosystem whose health supports public health, regional livelihoods, cultural connectivity and community well-being.”
The federal government has also announced a $20 million grant program for communities in South Australia along the Murray.
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