MURRAY-DARLING BASIN MINISTERIAL COUNCIL - COMMUNIQUE

摘要

The Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council today took a historic First Step decision to address the declining health of the River Murray system. The Council recognised that the health of the River Murray is important to maintain biodiversity and the health and economic success of the communities it supports. The First Step marks the beginning of the Council's collective actions to return the River Murray to the status of a healthy working river. In mid 2002 Council established its Living Murray initiative in response to substantial evidence that the River Murray system is degraded, and its concern that this degradation threatens the Basin's agricultural industries, communities, natural and cultural values, and national prosperity. Council has built its knowledge base on these issues. It has also engaged the community to promote discussion of the issues and increase mutual understanding of them.