The South Australian Government has issued 71 recommendations to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan, saying more must be done to ensure the health of the river system is maintained.

 

“There is a positive and prosperous future for river communities and indeed, the nation, if we get this plan right,” Premier Jay Weatherill said.

 

Central to the state’s demands is an increase in environmental flow, with Mr Weatherill saying the proposed 2750 giaglitres is insufficient to ensure the health of the river. Mr Weatherill said modeling of extrat returns should include 3200, 3500 and 4000 gigalitres.

 

Mr Weatherill also stressed the need for greater water security for South Australians, specifically irrigators.

 

Water and the River Murray Minister Paul Caica said South Australia’s submission requires that more water be returned to the system so that the environment and communities have a healthy future

 

The full South Australian submission on the Murray-Darling Basin draft plan is available at www.waterforgood.sa.gov.au