Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says South Australian Premier Mike Rann’s latest move to secure river flows for his state is a clear sign that the Commonwealth must take real control of the Murray-Darling if there is any chance of saving it.

Yesterday Premier Rann announced his Government would consider mounting a constitutional challenge to force upstream states to let more water down the River Murray.

“Welcome to the club, Premier – those campaigning for the river’s survival have been calling for a challenge to the system for years,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“The Greens are encouraged by the South Australian Government’s renewed passion for saving the Murray.

“The Commonwealth must now take real, effective control of the river system in its entirety.

“The National Water Agreement was always a dud – its timelines are slack and the states have the absurd ability to veto decisions made by the newly established Water Authority.”

Senator Hanson-Young said it was now crunch time for saving the lower reaches of the Murray.

“We can’t let time tick by while the states slug things out among themselves,” she said.

“The Federal Government must step in, demonstrate leadership and take control the river on a national level, in the interest of all to secure an ecologically sustainable system.”

Senator Hanson-Young said Prime Minister Rudd had a responsibility to protect South Australia’s Lower Lakes and Coorong.

“These are internationally significant wetlands – no excuse for inaction will cut it,” she said.

“Saving them should not just be left to South Australia – the Prime Minister must lead the Federal Government by stepping in.

“This is already within Mr Rudd’s political power, but right now he is lacking the political will.”