DRAG joins water protest

Published on 31 October 2018

A young couple sits on the bank of Lake Menindee watching the sun set

The Darling River Action Group (DRAG) has thrown its support behind this weekend's protest, with prominent water advocate Darryn Clifton urging locals to stand up for our waterways.

Mr Clifton has taken to the group's ‘We Want Action’ Facebook page to rally members ahead of the protest march and day of action.

He described the river and the lakes as part of the fabric of our community, and said it was up to locals to join the fight to see our waterways protected and managed appropriately.

"The Darling and the Lakes hold a prominent place in local people's hearts," he said.

"It's a vein of Broken Hill, it's a recreational hub for fishing, camping, and water sports, and we don't want to lose that.

"There's also environmental impacts to consider, the Lakes are a key breeding area for native fish and birds.

"It's our piece of paradise, and we have to fight to protect it."

Mayor Darriea Turley welcomed the support of the group and encouraged everyone to join in Saturday's protest.

"It's great to have DRAG and their supporters on board, they've been tireless advocates for the lakes and river, and their passion has been crucial in ensuring the plight of our waterways has become a matter of national significance," she said.

"But we can't leave it all up to DRAG, it's important that everyone in the community joins in this weekend and helps send a message that we as a community value our lakes and river want to see them returned to health."

This weekend's protest march will depart Town Square at 11am on November 3, and head to Sturt Park for a public gathering and speeches.