The South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, has continued his Fight for the Murray campaign with a  week-long “River Run” from the State’s border to the Murray Mouth.

 

The campaign team is travelling the 640 kilometre length of the South Australian reaches of the River in a water quality testing vessel, engaging with river communities and encouraging people to join the fight for a healthy river.

 

Premier Jay Weatherill officially launched the River Run in Loxton and the journey began at Border Cliffs upstream of Renmark on Saturday, and will end in Goolwa on Sunday 9 September.

 

Mr Weatherill said the River Run would give people living on the river the opportunity to tell their stories about the impacts of decades of over allocation of water upstream.

 

“This event will help us explain to people interstate why the Murray is South Australia’s life blood and why we must protect it for the benefit of future generations,” Mr Weatherill said.

 

“Local councils along the route will be encouraged to fly a Fight for the Murray flag in their communities – as a sign that they have joined the campaign for the best possible plan for the Murray-Darling Basin.

 

“Councils have been very supportive and keen to get involved. Key community events are planned in Loxton, Renmark, Mannum, Murray Bridge and Goolwa and smaller events are planned in schools, shopping centres and sporting clubs in other townships along the route.

 

“At each stop the campaign team and river champions will be talking to people about the Fight for the Murray and encouraging them to sign up online, if they haven’t already done so.

 

“Time is short – with the plan expected to go to the Federal Parliament soon, there is just a small window of opportunity for all Australians who are concerned about the health of the river to get involved,” Mr Weatherill said.