Di Bell

The suggestion of a temporary weir at Clayton drew the ire of Clayton residents back on July 19. At the time, Henry Jones, spokesperson for the River, Lakes and Coorong Action Groups said: “With tens of thousands of tonnes of salt coming down the river each year, it needs to go somewhere, and because of inadequate environmental flows due to the over allocation of water resources amplified by the drought, the natural process of flushing this out to sea has been stopped. Removing the barrages is no answer because without the ongoing dredging of the Murray Mouth - which is only just keeping what is left of the Coorong alive - the river will die from the mouth up. “

Debate regarding the so-called salt water solution has persisted and a number of submission to the Senate Inquiry addressed the matter. Recommendation 4 of the Majority Report stated that should the admission of salt water become necessary, environmental impacts would need to be investigated, EPBC (Environmental Protection Bio-diversity Conservation Act) approvals sought and community consultation would need to be undertaken. The Minority Report ruled out the admission of salt water as a solution (para 1.95).

Today, a Media Release by the Alexandra Council stated:  “We also understand Minister Karlene Maywald’s technical reference group are also nearing completion of their detailed investigations into the impacts a temporary barrier may have on the water and ecology in the Goolwa channel.  The investigations are also looking at the water in the Goolwa channel being increased by either fresh water or sea water.  Once the investigations are completed Council will then be in a position to inform the Government which option it supports.  Even with summer almost upon us we understand a temporary barrier could be completed before the end of the year.”

Confused? Email has been running hot with questions.
Where is the community consultation?
Where is the EIS?
Where is the EPBC referral?
Where is the Ramsar assessment?
Where is the weir?