Friends of the Earth Australia released the statement below on February 3.
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Friends of the Earth have refuted claims made today by the National Irrigators Council (NIC) that environment groups want government to deliberately flood people’s homes during the current NSW flooding.
“This absurd statement has no factual basis and reveals a callous desire to exploit fear for political gain,” said Murray-Darling Friends of the Earth Campaigner Jonathan La Nauze.
“We extend our hearts to those people battling floodwaters in NSW and wish them every assistance.
“It is, frankly, reprehensible that the NIC have decided to exploit this tragedy by trying to whip up fear in communities who have far more urgent things to be dealing with.
“The National Irrigators Council has a history of stirring up fear and panic for political ends, however today they have plumbed new depths.
“People battling floodwaters in NSW should not have their personal suffering exploited in this way.
“Friends of the Earth has not, and will never call for flooding that would damage towns and homes."
The document referred to by the NIC is a background briefing paper released by Friends of the Earth and the Inland Rivers Network in November last year and can be downloaded here. It summarises scientific literature on the environmental watering needs of wetlands, rivers and lakes in the Murray-Darling.
“This briefing paper we released three months ago has no relationship to the current flooding situation in New South Wales and makes no call for flooding that would endanger lives or property,” said Mr La Nauze.
“This is a complete beat-up by the National Irrigators Council.
“The Australian community are well aware that we need restore water to natural wetlands and billabongs so that native fish and waterbirds can breed.
“To suggest that this is the same as advocating deliberate flooding of homes is just absurd.”
The National Irrigators Council media release can be downloaded here.