Fed: Govt launches last-gasp rescue bid for Murray-Darling

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2008
Fed: Govt launches last-gasp rescue bid for Murray-Darling

The RUDD government will fast-track its water buy-back strategy .. to try and save
the lower lakes of the Murray Darling Basin.

Federal cabinet yesterday agreed to a range of new measures .. in a last-gasp bid to
save the Murray Darling's lower lakes from turning into acid .. or being flooded with
seawater.

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD gave the first indication his government will seek to move
on water-hoarding properties .. confirming it'll try to buy out appropriately located
irrigation properties.

The government will also try to buy out the water rights of entire irrigation communities
in the drought ravaged basin.

It's fast-tracked spending on buying back water rights .. and will commission an independent
audit of the basin's water storages to make sure the numbers are correct.

AAP RTV so/fdf/psm/

KEYWORD: MURRAY (CANBERRA)

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