|
A number of initiatives are now under way to improve the lower reaches of the River Murray. Retirement of carefully selected areas of land previously used for dairy farming is also reducing the risk of pathogens, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia, entering the mains water supply pump stations at Mannum and Murray Bridge.
Meeting the Challenge
|
Strategy 4: The SA Government will provide assistance packages to dairy farmers on the lower Murray swamps between Mannum and Wellington to enable rehabilitation of some properties and allow marginal properties to be taken out of production. This will enable regeneration of natural environments in some areas and will reduce the amount of pollutants entering the River.
Completion date: 2010
Lead agency: Department of Water, Land & Biodiversity Conservation |
Reports, progress and links:
Approximately 4000 hectares is to be rehabilitated under this assistance program. Nearly 98% of all relevant properties have received approval for funding and rehabilitation work is well advanced. The remaining rehabilitation works will be largely completed by June 2009.
The project has two main objectives: -
· The project provides a viable basis for the dairy industry by allowing improved water use efficiency and a general upgrade of infrastructure that will enhance productivity, and
· To improve River Murray water quality by reducing the nutrient loads back into the river. |