Dear Mr Rudd,  

Minister Wong?s reported comments yesterday that there is no water available to revive the Murray Darling as it is all allocated, ignore the fact that your Government has the constitutional authority to assume emergency control of the nation?s water resources.

Current data obtained by Fair Water Use from the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and relevant State water authorities reveal that around 4,000 gigalitres of water is currently held in public storage in the Murray-Darling Basin: including Menindee: 510 gl; Dartmouth: 730 gl; Hume: 620 gl; Eildon: 562 gl; Burrunjuck: 450 gl; Blowering: 650  gl.

The volume currently impounded by private enterprise is estimated to be in excess of 1,000 gigalitres (predominantly in the upper Darling catchment).

It is therefore not unreasonable to ask why you have not directed Minister Wong to acquire the 1,500 gigalitres that the CSIRO has informed you is urgently required by the system if it is to be given a reasonable chance of restoration.

As will be evident at the Rally For The River in Adelaide this coming Friday, a rapidly-increasing proportion of the Australian electorate is demanding that this decisive step is taken, and is calling upon you, as Prime Minister, to ensure that it is made without further delay.

 Sincerely,

Dr Ian Douglas (National Coordinator)