The Rudd Federal Government should use its power to ensure the impact of flooding the Lower Lakes with seawater is assessed independently, Senator Simon Birmingham said today.

Senator Birmingham announced he has written to Environment Minister Peter Garrett urging him to require independent oversight of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared on the sea water flooding of the River Murray’s Lower Lakes.

Under national environmental law, the Rann State Government has been required by Federal Minister Garrett to prepare an EIS on its proposal to transfer sea water from the Coorong to Lake Alexandrina.

“Given the importance of this EIS, and the ramifications that will flow from it, its preparation simply cannot be left in the hands of faceless bureaucrats doing the Rann Government’s bidding,” Senator Birmingham said today.

“It is of critical importance that the public has confidence in this process, and therefore that the EIS is prepared in a totally transparent way.  The best way for this to occur would be for an independent panel with credible expertise to oversee its preparation.

“Environment Minister Peter Garrett has the power to ensure this is the case by requiring it under the terms of reference he and his Department will set, and I have written to him urging him to take this option.*

“Flooding the Lower Lakes with seawater is a drastic measure, and we must have our eyes open to the consequences and the alternatives, and have faith in the assessment process.”

*Senator Birmingham’s letter to Mr Garrett is attached.

[Read More...]