Inquiry has given up on the Coorong, Greens say
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The Federal Opposition says the inquiry into shows more infrastructure must be built. (ABC News)
The Greens have accused government members of a Senate inquiry into the Coorong and lower Murray lakes of "giving up" on the river system.
The inquiry's majority report has found there is not enough fresh water in the system to get significant flows into the lower lakes.
But the minority report by the Greens and Independent Nick Xenophon says the Government is ignoring water reserves in the southern basin.
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says the report released yesterday ignores crucial evidence presented to the committee.
"The evidence presented suggested that all we need was between 30 and 60 gigalitres of water by September next year to at least keep the Coorong and lower lakes from the tipping point," she said.
"But also evidence presented showed there was around 1,500 gigalitres of water available in the lower basin.
Infrastructure concerns
Meanwhile, the Federal Opposition says the inquiry into shows more infrastructure must be built in the the Coorong and lower Murray lakes area.
The Opposition's environment spokesman, Greg Hunt, says the Government needs to improve water efficiency by building pipes and lining dams and channels.
"It is possible to make quick savings by direct investment in infrastructure," he said.
"We can save the lower lakes, we must save the Coorong.
"All of this can be done and the answer is getting on to the game of fixing up our farms, making them more water efficient, get those savings down to the lower lakes."
