River Murray water ‘should be returned for long-term health'

River Murray water ‘should be returned for long-term health’

NEW scientific modelling reveals at least 3200 gigalitres of water must be returned to the River Murray to ensure its long-term health.

South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, says his government will ask the commonwealth to endorse that figure in the forthcoming Murray-Darling Basin plan.

The figure is higher than the 2750 gigalitres proposed in the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) draft plan, Sydney media report.

“We have always known that the proposed 2750 gigalitres was simply not enough for a healthy river,” Mr Weatherill told journalists (today) Tuesday.

“The best available science has now been put in front of the Australian community.

“We’ve never made an outrageous claim – all we want is a healthy river because we know that supports healthy communities.”

Mr Weatherill says his government now believes it is beyond debate that 3200 gigalitres is the appropriate volume of water to return to the river system.

The MDBA sought new modelling after South Australia lobbied the federal Government to take another look.

The MDBA is yet to comment on the latest modelling.