Why have preliminary works already started? Has a decision to build the weir already been made?
No. The South Australian Government does not want to build a temporary weir. However, it has the responsibility to plan for the worst case scenario to secure South Australia’s water supply. Beginning work on preliminary access roads does not mean a decision has been made to build the temporary weir. It is part of necessary preparations in case the low river flows continue and certain triggers are reached that would lead to acidification and increased salinity in the Lower Lakes, threatening water supplies. A fresh water option to secure South Australia’s water supply has not been ruled out. The State Government is continuing to work with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Australian Government on various options and initiatives for securing South Australia’s drinking water in the hope that construction of a temporary weir can be prevented. A temporary weir at Pomanda Island is considered a last resort to secure South Australia’s water supply and would only be constructed if all
