Managing and Sustaining The Murray River

The Murray River is very important in the life and culture of Australians. In fact, the produce irrigated by the Murray feeds the local people on a daily basis. Aside from its immense agricultural contribution, it is also home to many aquatic animals and riparian vegetation. The Murray is also the water source for the homes of well over a million people. Such is its importance, that Australians have invested a huge amount of money on controlling this vital river system, developing several dams and weirs to make use of its water.

Human interference obviously has made a toll on this rich water resource, which is now becoming salinized. The salty groundwater is now finding its way into the river because of the massive clearing of vegetation along its riverbanks to make way to farming and ranching. The appearance of towns and cities along the river has also contaminated the water not to mention the pesticides used in food crops. In addition, the grazing animals have prevented the re-growth of plant life. Not only has the control system of the river impacted physically the water as well as the landscape, but also flooded the sacred burial sites of the indigenous people.

This recent findings regarding the threatened health of the river is now strongly felt especially since the river has been the center of local tourism with various recreational activities for both nature lovers and those who just need a good escape from the noisy world. It is imperative, therefore, that the Murray be preserved and nurtured. This does not mean that the Murray-Darling river system has been fully degraded, it still has maintained its pristine beauty and is relatively healthier than those rivers in the developed countries. It has not been polluted by raw sewage or industrial wastes. It was able to maintain its wetland, native forests, and even its fish species, albeit with lesser population.

Just because the Murray is relatively healthier, it does not mean that we should be complacent. We should maximize the advantages that favor a sustainable use of this natural resource. The low population density coupled by a low industrial development protect the river system form potential pollutants. The landscape and climate of the region also contribute significantly to the sustainability of the river with enough space for off-site waste disposal, supplemented by irrigation or evaporation. The odds favor a sustainable management; we only need to respond to the challenge.

It is not yet too late to rehabilitate the river. We only need political will and the resources to do the task. The immediate task is to set a benchmark for proper waste disposal and protection of the environment, which was neglected by various nations particularly in safeguarding their river systems. A cost-benefit analysis and other elements of a good river management must be undertaken. Still, no matter how excellent a plan may be, without commitment and the determination to stick by it, will render it inutile. The pressure is now strongly felt with a growing population and strengthened tourism in the area. In order for the people to enjoy and harness the bounty of the river, it is crucial that the Murray-Darling river system, be managed and sustained properly.