Travel Report submitted in accordance with the Travel Allowance rules for Members of Parliament

HON DR BOB SUCH MP, MEMBER FOR FISHER

Trip to Lower Lakes, The Coorong, The Riverland, Mildura, Wentworth and nearby areas .

Sunday 25 May to Thursday 29 May 2008

On Sunday, 25 May, I drove to Lake Finniss and Lake Alexandrina and spoke with local irrigators . I observed the state of the Finniss River and Lake Alexandrina . I then travelled to Milang to observe the state of Lake Alexandrina, thence to Wellington - met with local residents including Vietnam War Veterans. Travelled to Meningie - discussed local water issues with local residents and had a quick look at Lake Albert and pumping program (water from Lake Alexandrina to Lake Albert to reduce risk of acid sulfate soils developing and expanding) . There is strong opposition to the building of a weir at Wellington .

Monday 26 May, had a further look at Lake Albert and water levels and then drove to Salt Creek - en route looking at various parts of the Coorong .

The Coorong gets water from a combination of River Murray flows, rainfall and ground water . The Coorong is a large body of saline and hyper saline water (The Coorong Lagoon), numerous freshwater soaks, and ephemeral saline lakes . The ephemeral salt lakes are especially significant as indicators of the balance between rainfall, evaporation and temperature . The barrages built in the 1930's to stop salt water entering the Lower Murray via Lakes Alexandrina and Lake Albert have halved the flow of water from the river (when it flows!) to the Coorong. As a result the Northern lagoon has become more saline .

There used to be less salty water at Salt Creek - now up to 6 times saltier than the sea (in the Southern section) . Spoke with local long-time residents who believe that the Coorong will `bounce back'. Met with Dave Hughes from the Upper South East Drainage Scheme to discuss water flow from the South East to the Sea and possibly to the Coorong .

Some locals argue for the River Murray Mouth to be blocked to stop fresh water flowing out to sea . A contrary view was put later as to why this would not be a good idea .

One suggestion was for some of the fresh water being channelled out to sea from the drainage scheme to be redirected to the Coorong - however the drains closest to the Salt Creek area are themselves quite salty.

I was advised that there is plenty of fresh, low salinity water south of Kingston going out to sea - but the cost of piping and pumping that to the Coorong would be significant .

The general opinion was that only a good rain or a mini-1956 Murray flood would or could save the Coorong. If that amount of rain came it would solve

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most of the Murray-Darling's problem . Surprisingly, Coorong Mullet are surviving despite the increased salinity . I inspected the Coorong at several points - including via The Loop Road .

I drove from Salt Creek to Loxton and inspected the River there . I noted that Timbercorp has significant plantings of oranges near Lock 4 . Timbercorp is a large company buying up water licences . We don't know who else (apart from Macquarie Bank) is buying or selling because of the secrecy provisions of water licence sales - a situation (secrecy) that needs to change in the interests of transparency . Some citrus was being bulldozed at Loxton - adjacent to the Loxton-Berri Road .

I drove to Berri and thence to Renmark where I stayed the night (Monday 26 May) . En route to Renmark I observed relatively recent plantings of 1-3 year old citrus adjacent to the Berri-Renmark section of the Highway.

At Renmark I spoke with locals who said income levels overall were down about 30% but that some of the talk about business closures was misinformed . People had changed or moved businesses for a range of reasons, often personal, not necessarily because of the shortage of water for irrigation . However, the Riverland was feeling the effects of the drought .

As with the Coorong, the River looks fine, but looks are deceptive because the water being held is not sufficient for normal irrigation and is of course being held back by the various locks . The area is still quiet for tourism, with the negative images of the River actually hurting the towns and their residents by deterring tourists .

On Monday 26 May, I travelled to Mildura via Lake Cullulleraine and noticed new plantings of almonds near Lake Cullulleraine . The situation at Mildura is similar to the other Riverland towns - it looks okay superficially - the River is `full', but there is no flow of any consequence coming in to lift irrigation levels . In Mildura I visited the office of Mr Peter Crisp, the National Party Member for Mildura . I received a detailed briefing on the water situation and related issues including the Waste Dump project which has now been cancelled .

There is local hostility towards the Brumby Government's plan to pipe water from the Murray Goulburn to Melbourne . Indeed there was a rally in Mildura during my time there to oppose the pipeline - it was called `plug the pipe' protest and is an ongoing protest .

I visited towns on the New South Wales side of the border e.g . Go[ Gol and Buronga and the situation was similar to other parts of the Murray - plenty of water from a superficial viewpoint . I visited Curlwaa and Dareton and visited the office of the Western Irrigation but the office staff were very ̀ cagey' and unwilling to enlighten me regarding issues faced by irrigators in the Curlwaa/Dareton area .

I visited Wentworth where once again the Darling and Murray Rivers looked `fine' but it was really the same old story - inadequate flows to create the amount of water needed to sustain irrigation .

I met with local residents and some council staff at Wentworth to discuss water and related irrigation issues . I was impressed to see the Men's shed at Dareton - an initiative which is very popular and produces toys and other products for country use . It is obvious that there is a plethora of irrigation trusts and arrangements on the river - from Government owned and operated to private companies and trusts - it appears to be a `dog's breakfast' of varying arrangements and ownership and irrigation policies . I travelled from Wentworth via Abbotsford Bridge and Lake Cullulleraine to Renmark where I stayed the night (Tuesday 27 May).

On Wednesday 28 May I drove to Berri - visited the Murray River Natural Resource Management Board and obtained a lot of very valuable information and publications . I also visited the SA Water office to get information and publications regarding irrigation policies, the current drought situation, etc . As usual the staff were very helpful . I did a 5AA interview from Berri regarding the current situation in the Riverland .

I inspected the River at Berri, then drove to Barmera and Blanchetown . I inspected Lake Bonney, where the water level is down, but the Lake ̀ looks good' and appears to be surviving despite the separation of the Lake from the River . This is a very contentious issue amongst some locals . I drove to Blanchetown, then to Swan Reach, Nildottie through to Bowhill and Murray Bridge - stopping off to talk to locals at Burdett . Once again the River ̀ looks fine' but the River flats are suffering from lack of water as are the irrigators (soon to get worse), if rain and increased inflows do not occur . I had a look at the river at Murray Bridge where there is concern about river levels - but once again the amount of water in the River, whilst down, still creates the impression that all is well!

I drove to Goolwa via Ferries McDonald Road and stayed the night there (Wednesday 28 May). On the morning of the 29t", I visited the barrages and had an in-depth discussion with Mr Peter Lewis from SA Water and also obtained a lot of excellent material from the Murray-Darling Basin Commission . It was explained to me that there is quite a lot of water in Lake Alexandrina but it is in the centre of the lake and therefore hard to access without some type of floating pump (similar to the concept used on the Blue Lake) . This would be a costly infrastructure project . The current irrigation infrastructure at Lake Alexandrina is focused on the edge of the Lake and therefore a `new approach' is needed . One suggestion was the creation of a ̀ doughnut' to force water to the edge, thus making it more accessible for irrigators and domestic users but this would be very expensive!

I visited Hindmarsh Island and the reduced level of water is noticeable (exposed flats) as one crosses the main bridge . Water levels are clearly down in the Marina area (2'/2 metres down from the jetty level) .

Overall, the Lower Lakes, the Coorong and the River look okay - but the apparent ̀ fullness' hides the serious reality of a lack of inflow and the real possibility of zero water allocation for many irrigators in the months ahead . The great need is rain, especially in the Murray-Darling Catchment basin, something akin to a mini version of the 1956 flood would be good to flush out the River . The River and the Coorong are just hanging on at the moment, but the situation

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is dire and hence fundamental change to the management of the River and Coorong is needed . There must be proper scientific management of the river system, a reduction in water take, the need to ensure all users and the environment get a fair share of water and some additional storages up stream (if that is feasible) . For Lake Alexandrina, maybe a floating pump, to pump water from the centre and a coordinated irrigation system for the Lakes area . The Coorong needs an injection of fresh water so it is important to look at the feasibility of pumping water from Lower South-East into the Southern part of the Coorong . We face a very serious situation, so it is important that if good rains come - and I hope they do - we don't become complacent (again!) and run short of water .

I have the following publications available for perusal by Members:

Business Card of Peter Crisp, National Member for Mildura

Murray-Darling Basin Native Fish Identification Card - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

European Heritage - The Living Murray Postcard

Concessions for Council and water rates booklet - SA Water

Chowilla Floodplain & Lindsay-Walpolla Islands - The Living Murray Postcard

A Unique Environment - The Living Murray Postcard

The Living Murray, Regulating the River Murray - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

The Living Murray, Our unique icon sites - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

The Living Murray, Communities and The Living Murray - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Sustainable Recreation Guide - Murray Care

Pest-Free and Proud - Protecting or Industries from the Fruit Fly

Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve Pamphlet

Discover Murray Trail - Brochure & Map

Murray River- Murraylands and Riverland Holiday Map

Fruit Fly Hotline Bookmark - Primary Industries and Resources SA

Providing security for water users and sustainable rivers brochure - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Native Fish of the Murray-Darling Basin Chart - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Native Fish Strategy, a Summary- Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council

Wentworth Branch of National Trust Heritage Drive Trail - Wentworth Shire Council

The Living Murray - Protecting and Improving Our Icon Sites - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

River Murray Navigation - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Safe and Effective Pesticide Use Handbook - EPA South Australia

Quarantine Domestic Flyer

Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve - Environmental Education Courses 2008

Pioneer Women's Trail pamphlet - Office for Recreation and Sport SA

Water Conservation - Your Guide, Slow the Flow - Drought Response SA

Recreational Fishing Guide - Primary Industries and Resources SA

Community Stream Sampling and Salinity Mapping in the Murray-Darling Basin - South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

Sunraysia Booklet - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Riverlander Notes - Newsletter - The Murray-Darling Association

A Code of Practice for managing irrigation in the Angas Bremer

Living Murray Update - South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

Katfish Reach Update - Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality - Action Salinity & Water Australia

Marine Habitat Mapping & Biodiversity with the Coorong Bioregion - Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board

NRM Region Health Report Card 2005 for the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin

The Living Murray Environmental Results 2005-2006 - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Salinity in the Murray pamphlet - South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

Home Water Self-Audit - WaterCare

River Murray Carry-Over Scheme for 2008-09

Temporary Closure of Lake Bonney, Frequently Asked Questions and Answers - Issue 3, 31 August 2007

Sharing over River Murray Water Between the States Frequently Asked Questions and Answers - Issue 1, 5 February 2008-06-03

The Chowilla Floodplan - Significant Ecological Asset - The Living Murray

New Water - Reusing Wastewater in the Murray-Darling Basin SA - South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

Renmark to the Border Local Action Planning Association Community News

The River Murray - An Economic Asset booklet

On The Ground - Edition 6, March 2008

On The Ground - Edition 3, June 2007

On The Ground - Edition 4, September 2007

2006-2007 Mallee Prescribed Wells Area - Annual Water Use Report

Mallee Prescribed Wells Area - Investigation into the Occurrence of Iron Bacteria Fact Sheet

River Health in the River Murray Catchment

Weed Identification Notes - Bridal Creeper - Animal and Plant Control Commission

Weed Identification Notes - Boneseed - Animal and Plant Control Commission

Weed Identification Notes - Blackberry - Animal and Plant Control Commission

Fact Sheet - 2007 Saltland Snapshot South Australia Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Region

Weed Identification Notes - Bathurst Burr - Animal and Plant Control Commission

Weed Identification Notes - African Rue - Animal and Plant Control Commission

Weed Identification Notes - African Lovegrass - Animal and Plant Control Commission

Fact Sheet 1 - Managing Weeds on Roadsides (for Councils, Government Agencies or Corporations undertaking infrastructure works and/or service delivery and maintenance activities on roadsides)-Adelaide Hills Council

Fact Sheet 2 - Managing Weeds on Roadsides (for Adjoining Property Owners) -Adelaide Hills Council

Fact Sheet 3 - Managing Weeds on Roadsides (for Individuals and Community Groups interested in biodiversity conservation and restoration) - Adelaide Hills Council

Rabbits & Destruction Go Hand in Hand - Information Booklet for Land Managers 2007

The River Murray from Mountains to Sea - The Riverine Plains - Albury to Swan Hill

Fact Sheet 3 - Airborne Electromagnetics for Salinity and Groundwater Mapping - Department of Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry

Fact Sheet 2 - Stream Sampling for Salinity - Department of Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry

The Murray-Darling Basin Pamphlet - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Best Practice for Wakeboarding on the River Murray - Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation

Pensioners (Permit to use hose instead of buckets and watering cans) - SA Water

Home Rebate Application Form - Indoor Products - SA Water

Home Rebate Application Form - Rainwater Tank & Plumbing Rebate - SA Water

Micro-Irrigation - Making it work for you - SA Water

Inland Shipping - The Navigation of the Murray-Darling River System

Keeping the salt out of the Murray - River Murray Water (A business unit of MDBC)

Fact Sheet - What is a Fishway? - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

The Upper Murray Hume Catchment and Snowy Mountains Scheme brochure

The River Murray: A Multi-Use Resource - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

The River Murray Barrages & Fishways - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

In The Basin - River Murray Newsletter- Issue 2, 2004

The Living Murray - A commitment to a shared future - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Murray System Drought Update - Issue 13: May 2008

Sustainable Water Strategy - Northern Region Discussion Paper: Managing Water Scarcity The Next 50 Years - Our Water Our Future Victoria

Fact Sheet - How Do I Get A Property Vegetation Plan? - Catchment Management Authorities NSW

Meningie Fact Sheet and Map

Western Murray Irrigation Limited - Season 2007/08 Charges

Stage 3 Water Restrictions Now Apply Across Western Murray Irrigation Limited

Goolwa & Murray Lakes - March 2008 - Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

South Australia Riverland Booklet - SA Great

Managing the River Murray - Murray-Darling Basin Commission

The Riverland Sun Newspaper - Summer 2007/08 Edition

The Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth - Significant Ecological Asset - Asset Environmental Management Plan Overview

Recharge on the Murray River, South Australia - SA Great.

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