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INFORM-A^CTION

Issue Number 34 - September 2000

Help Keep the Paroo Free-flowing

The Paroo River, which flows through south-west Queensland, is the only river in the Murray-Darling Basin that has not been altered by dams, weirs or water extraction. Its importance has been acknowledged worldwide by having two wetland sites listed with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. This convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 for the "conservation and wise use of wetlands by national action and international cooperation" and came into force for Australia in 1975. Ramsar listed wetlands acquire a new status at the national level and are recognized internationally as a globally important conservation resource.

The Paroo feeds numerous arid zone wetlands, including the Currawinya Lakes, a National Park just north of Hungerford on the Queensland/New South Wales border. Two of these lakes are Ramsar listed sites. These lakes are an important breeding site for the endangered freckled duck (see above) and the Australian pelican.

It is imperative that the environmental integrity of the Paroo River be preserved - it must not become part of the shocking tale of the Murray-Darling Basin - the salinity, increased weeds and pests that endanger native species, water pollution, loss of fisheries and dying wetlands. The Queensland Government is undertaking a major water reform process using Water Resource Plans. A recent draft states that no more water should be taken from the Paroo for irrigation. It is imperative that this advice be heeded. If this is ignored the consequences would be dire for this special and beautiful arid region.

Many different groups are involved in working to keep the Paroo River free-flowing. The Social Action Office (SAO) is supporting the World Wide Fund for Nature and The Wilderness Society in their efforts to save the river and wetland. A postcard campaign is underway, lobbying the State Government, and post-cards are available from the SAO. There is also a Rivers Alive video and a poster to assist in community education - also available from the SAO. Join the campaign to keep the Paroo free-flowing and play a part in the restoration of the great Murray-Darling Basin!

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		INFORM-A^CTION Issue Number 34 - September 2000 Help Keep the Paroo Free-flowing The Paroo River, which flows through south-west Queensland, is the only river in the Murray-Darling Basin that has not been altered by dams, weirs or water extraction. Its importance has been acknowledged worldwide by having two wetland sites listed with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. This convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 for the "conservation and wise use of wetlands by national action and international cooperation" and came into force for Australia in 1975. Ramsar listed wetlands acquire a new status at the national level and are recognized internationally as a globally important conservation resource. The Paroo feeds numerous arid zone wetlands, including the Currawinya Lakes, a National Park just north of Hungerford on the Queensland/New South Wales border. Two of these lakes are Ramsar listed sites. These lakes are an important breeding site for the endangered freckled duck (see above) and the Australian pelican. It is imperative that the environmental integrity of the Paroo River be preserved - it must not become part of the shocking tale of the Murray-Darling Basin - the salinity, increased weeds and pests that endanger native species, water pollution, loss of fisheries and dying wetlands. The Queensland Government is undertaking a major water reform process using Water Resource Plans. A recent draft states that no more water should be taken from the Paroo for irrigation. It is imperative that this advice be heeded. If this is ignored the consequences would be dire for this special and beautiful arid region. Many different groups are involved in working to keep the Paroo River free-flowing. The Social Action Office (SAO) is supporting the World Wide Fund for Nature and The Wilderness Society in their efforts to save the river and wetland. A postcard campaign is underway, lobbying the State Government, and post-cards are available from the SAO. There is also a Rivers Alive video and a poster to assist in community education - also available from the SAO. Join the campaign to keep the Paroo free-flowing and play a part in the restoration of the great Murray-Darling Basin! Next Newsletter Article Newsletter Index