Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says Environment Minister Peter Garrett must heed concerns held by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and reject the proposal to build a weir at Wellington.

It was reported today that the Murray-Darling Basin Authority admitted that it was “a possibility” that it would use its power to stop the proposed weir at Wellington due to a lack of information about potential negative impacts of it being built.

“The concerns over the weir raised by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority today are concerns that the Greens have been expressing for some time,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“The potential for water quality to deteriorate both in the Lakes and upstream in the Murray itself – impacting on Adelaide’s current water supply - is a major concern that cannot be ignored.

“Environment Minister Peter Garrett must reject this weir proposal on the basis that it would prove environmentally devastating.

“The Greens urge the State and Federal Governments and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to get on the same page for a constructive, national approach to rescuing the lower Murray.

“Rescuing the lower Murray is not just a job for South Australians – it’s a job for the Federal Government, as a matter of national importance.”