WATT’S THE THREAT TO THE MURRAY RIVER
15 Jan | '2026
ANGIE BELL MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
SHADOW MINISTER FOR YOUTH
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MONCRIEFF
SENATOR ROSS CADELL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR WATER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR ENERGENCY MANAGEMENT
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
15 January 2026
WATT’S THE THREAT TO THE MURRAY RIVER
The Coalition has raised serious concerns about the Albanese Government’s decision to list the Lower Murray River ecosystem as critically endangered, warning it risks creating significant uncertainty for water users, local councils and investors across the southern Murray–Darling Basin.
While the Government claims existing land and water uses will be unaffected, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Youth, Angie Bell, said this does not reflect the reality.
“This decision introduces immense regulatory uncertainty for irrigators, councils and investors who rely on clear, stable rules to make long-term decisions,” Ms Bell said.
“The Basin needs infrastructure, efficient water practices, improved water quality and action on invasive species.
“What it doesn’t need is another layer of uncertainty that makes people afraid to act or invest because they fear triggering an EPBC referral to the Environment Protection Agency.
“We appreciate the intention to protect the environment, but serious questions remain about the practical implications of this classification.”
Shadow Minister for Water, and Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Ross Cadell, said Basin communities want real environmental outcomes, not ideology inspired policy changes that deter investment and halt progress.
“If every location where an endangered species, like the Murray Cod, is present becomes a trigger point, we could see essential infrastructure and community projects across the southern Basin grind to a halt,” Cadell said.
“Stopping sensible development doesn’t improve river health.
“Under Labor, Basin communities and the ecosystems they depend on are forced to battle endless bureaucracy just to survive.
“All this announcement does is deliver delays to infrastructure, stall critical water projects, and add more green tape.
“When governments increase risk without providing clarity, investment dries up.”
The Coalition will continue to advocate for balanced environment and water policy that delivers genuine ecological improvement while supporting the communities who live and work in the region.
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