SA’s Deputy Premier issues lame and illogical defence of Fake Lakes: Helen Dalton MP

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has described statements by South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close about that State’s Lower Lakes as “lame and illogical.” 

“The Lower Lakes are Fake Lakes that are artificially filled with fresh water from the Murray-Darling,” Helen said. “It’s a disgraceful waste of fresh water, and Susan Close should admit this.” 

Recently, Deputy Premier Close wrote to Mrs. Dalton, responding to a social media video about the Lower Lakes which Mrs. Dalton produced (link here). 

In her response, Ms. Close claimed that “…the South Australian Government recognised the conflict in the scientific literature in relation to…the salinity of Lake Alexandrina.” 

Mrs. Dalton said: “In other words, the SA government knows a lot of scientists argue that these lakes were never meant to be freshwater lakes. So why are we wasting fresh water from upstream States to maintain these Lakes?”  

In her letter to Mrs. Dalton, Deputy Premier Ms. Close defends the man-made barrages in the Lower Lakes that are used to artificially keep salt water out of the Lakes.  

“The fact is that the wealthy, well-connected South Australians who own properties on these Lakes want them to be freshwater lakes. It’s that simple,” Helen said.  

“That’s why, for decades, federal and South Australian governments have conspired to send fresh water from New South Wales and Victoria down into these lakes.” 

“Clearly, the SA Government doesn’t give a toss about the other States. They just want to keep this waste of water going so they can keep their Fake Lakes filled up with other people’s fresh water.” 

“The South Australian government’s defence of the Fake Lakes is lame. The current situation is indefensible, and there is nothing Deputy Premier Close can say to justify the current situation. “ 

Mrs. Dalton says the man-made barrages in the Lower Lakes should be removed immediately.  

“We have to stop messing with nature,” Helen said. “The Lower Lakes should he returned to their natural state and the fresh water currently being wasted in these Lakes should instead be used by farmers in NSW and Victoria to grow the food Australia needs.”