Farmers’ pumps threaten species

Jessica Benton
FARMERS pumping water from river basins are threatening endangered animals in the region, according to authorities.
Southern Rural Water field supervisor Angus Ramsay said reports showed pumping from the Barwon and Moorabool rivers was endangering native species such as the threatened Australian grayling, river blackfish and platypus.
The pumping was threatening habitat in river pools that had become refuges for fish, yabbies and other aquatic species during drought.
“Landholders need to understand that under the water act they can pump from waterways for stock and domestic use but only in a manner that will not have a detrimental impact on the waterway,” Mr Ramsay said.
Southern Rural Water would consider complete bans on pumping if landowners continued to put rivers under pressure, he warned.
But Victorian Farmers’ Federation’s Richard Anderson said landowners and Southern Rural Water should instead work together closely to reduce consumption.