Chapter 6
Conclusion
6.1
There is not enough water in the system. This is the result of historic
overallocations, the current unprecedented drought, and the emerging impacts of
climate change.
6.2
The situation in the Coorong and Lower Lakes is not unique. Sites right
through the Basin are suffering, all users have very little water and the
majority of water held in storages is required for very high priority needs or
to cover losses.
6.3
Future decisions to allocate scarce environmental water need to take
into account this broader predicament.
6.4
Compulsory acquisition is neither necessary nor desirable.
6.5
Transmission losses are a factor in the uses to which environmental
water should be put. As a general rule, the location and watering needs of
environmental values and assets across the Basin informs where environmental
water entitlement should be purchased.
6.6
While sea water is not the preferred option for saving what is now a
predominantly fresh water ecosystem, the problems sea water would cause are
less dramatic than runaway acidification.
6.7
The committee notes the urgent need for a holistic approach to managing
the Basin, as it provided for in the July Intergovernmental Agreement between
Basin jurisdictions.
6.8
The committee notes that the potential introduction of sea water
together with some other management options requires investigation,
environmental impact assessment and community consultation. To provide for the
possibility that the introduction of sea water is required, the committee notes
that approval for such action, under the EPBC Act, would be required.
Recommendations
Recommendation 1
6.9
Given the long term challenges posed by climate change in particular,
the committee supports the need for a management plan to address the long term
threats to the site’s environmental values. The committee also notes that the
Australian Government has committed $200 million to support the South
Australian Government in developing such a plan.
Recommendation 2
6.10
Impediments to trading water should be lifted to allow a more efficient
water market.
Recommendation 3
6.11
The potential value of bioremediation of exposed acid sulphate soils
should be investigated further.
Recommendation 4
6.12
If the admission of sea water becomes necessary, the potential
environmental impacts should be subject to further detailed investigation and
community consultation. The committee expects all necessary approvals required
under the EPBC Act would need to be sought.
Recommendation 5
6.13
The feasibility of pumping hypersaline water in the southern Coorong
into the ocean should be assessed as part of the development of a longer term
plan for this site.
Recommendation 6
6.14
In the longer term, drainage water from the upper south east should be
diverted to the Coorong.
Senator Glenn
Sterle
Chair
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