Water For Rivers

First Nations push for water rights in extended Murray Darling Basin plan

As reforms to save rivers are being debated in the Senate, First Nations elders are calling for their water rights to be enshrined in law. Tracey Carpenter reports.

Labor needs to move on Murray-Darling Basin water protection

The campaign for fair water flow and better monitoring and regulation in the Murray Darling Basin Plan has to continue, argues Tracey Carpenter.

Water protectors hold out hope for river flows

The second Darling/Baaka River convoy to highlight unsustainable water-sharing plans and ungoverned water-trading practices was organised in early May. Mark Merritt reports.

Dams: simplistic, costly and not a quick-fix

Communities and farmers say the billions being allocated on raising dam walls is not a “solution” to the latest drought or to long-term climate change. Tracey Carpenter reports.

Indigenous water defender demands court hearing in Wilcannia

Barkindji woman Leah Ebsworth has been charged with not moving off a bridge when ordered and assaulting a public officer with water, reports Paul Oboohov.

Indigenous water defender pleads not guilty

Baakindji woman and water activist Leah Ebsworth has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from a protest on the bridge earlier this year, reports Paul Oboohov.

ACCC report confirms water market failure, but recommends more of the same

A new ACCC report has identified major weaknesses in the water market, but recommends more of the same, reports Tracey Carpenter.

Environmental activists continue to strategise under lockdown

Green Left’s Rachel Evans asked a number of environmental activists about the ongoing issues and organising despite the COVID-19 lockdown.

Water for Rivers Newcastle launch on November 17.

Water for Rivers group formed in Newcastle

A new grassroots group, Water for Rivers, has been set up in Newcastle with the aim of raising awareness about the causes of about the dire situation in the Murray Darling Basin and helping to bring life back to the rivers.

Bruce Shillingsworth: 'Why are we selling water to make profit?'

Muruwari and Budjiti man Bruce Shillingsworth appeared on the ABC’s Q&A program on October 28, but not as a panellist. He was allowed to be a part of the audience, but only after what he described as a “struggle”. The show, ostensibly about “drought”, did not include a single First Nations activist.

Day 5: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like

NSW rivers crisis: A ‘perfect storm’ of drought, theft and corruption

“The problem is mismanagement of the Barwon-Darling rivers” activist Fleur Thompson told the Yaama Ngunna Baaka Corroboree Festival bus tour, as it passed through the western New South Wales town of Bourke on September 30.

“The federal and state governments could step in anytime and fix it, but they don’t and won’t. To do that the governments would have to admit fault.”