Minister Burke demands reshaping of the Basin Plan
Tuesday, 05 July 2011
It is very encouraging to note that the Federal Minister for water appreciates the fundamental wisdom of basing the Basin Plan on outflow requirements. It is important to acknowledge his strategic announcement. FWU has contacted the Minister in this regard:
5th July 2011
The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Parliament House
Canberra
ACT 2600
Dear Mr Burke,
On behalf of
the hundreds of members of Fair Water Use,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your requirement
that the Basin Plan ensures that the River Murray flows to the sea in nine out
of ten years.
This indicates
your clear understanding of the prime importance of outflows in maintaining the
health of the Basin, by allowing the River Murray to expel its salt and
nutrient load on a continual basis and to replenish iconic wetlands. Indeed
there is little doubt that the Murray Darling Basin Authority would be well
advised to first define the appropriate outflow regime for the Murray, and base
its SDL calculations upon this.
New report details concerns regarding influence of private water sector on UN decisions
Thursday, 05 May 2011
The report highlights several specific instances in which the
corporate sector has been engaged in UN meetings, events and processes. This is
not to suggest that something is amiss by their presence in designated
multi-stakeholder processes, nor is it to discount or overshadow the vibrant
and indispensable contributions of the other non-State actors working with the
UN.
However, there must be a clear distinction between corporate involvement in
dialogues and events on the one hand, and policy and governance decisions on
the other, and the latter must remain wholly within the democratic authority of
UN Member States. While dialogues, forums and other side events are not
decision-making bodies of the UN, initiatives that are loosely accountable to
the General Assembly can undermine the principle of the equality of all UN
Members.
FWU Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Provisions of the Water Act 2007
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
FWU is concerned that this
Inquiry will recommend amendment to the Water Act 2007, to allow the
Commonwealth to downgrade its commitment to the environment of the
Murray-Darling river system, to placate an outspoken section of the
irrigation community. Our submission addresses these important issues and can be viewed HERE
Basin Plan: communication is the key
Sunday, 24 October 2010
The concerns of Basin communities regarding the Basin Plan Guide could have been assuaged with improved communication on all sides. Professor Chris Miller shares his thoughts on ABC Radio (23rd October 2010): LISTEN HERE
Basin Plan guide under assault even before its release
Thursday, 07 October 2010
Fair Water Use is surprised and disappointed by comments from Andrew Gregson, CEO of the NSW Irrigators Council, which disparage the ability of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to design a “sensible” Basin Plan.
Mr Gregson appears out of step with the increasing section of the irrigation community which acknowledges that what benefits the health of the Murray-Darling river system also benefits those seeking to make responsible long term use of its water.
