Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the first day of the Murray Senate Inquiry’s hearings has been “illuminating”, with the CSIRO recommending that Adelaide reduce its dependence on the Murray.

“This is only the first day of hearings for this Senate Inquiry, and already the Greens’ efforts to get the Inquiry happening have been justified,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“I was flabbergasted to learn that the Water Minister and her department hadn’t even consulted Australia’s leading scientific organisation, the CSIRO, on this issue.

“Surely this should have been a logical step in making recommendations on how to secure fresh water for the lower lakes and Coorong.”

Senator Hanson-Young said experts had presented evidence at the hearing that will prove essential to the future of South Australia’s water.

“South Australia needs to get smarter about how it obtains and manages its water, not only for the sake of our capital city and its residents, but for the sake of the lower lakes and Coorong too,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“Adelaide must wean itself off the Murray. It is possible – the experts have presented the evidence here today to prove this.

“The ongoing management of the lower lakes and Coorong will benefit by Adelaide reducing its dependence on the Murray, as more water will make it down for those vital environmental flows.”

The CSIRO recommended water recycling, stormwater harvesting, demand management, and storage increases in the Mount Lofty Ranges as affordable, effective options to help Adelaide’s water crisis, at today’s hearing.

“The immense value of this Senate Inquiry has already been revealed today, with a leading organisation such as the CSIRO being able to present crucial evidence to piece together solutions to our complex water problem,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“I look forward to tomorrow’s Adelaide hearing, and the important information that will be presented by South Australians on the front line of the lower lakes and Coorong crisis.

“With all the information on the table, we will have a decent chance at saving our Storm Boy country,” she said.

Tomorrow’s Inquiry into Coorong and the Lower Lakes hearing:
9am – 5pm
Colley Room, Stamford Grand Hotel
1 Mosley Square, Glenelg, ADELAIDE

For more information: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760