Murray abused and dying.

If Murray was a person he would be suffering decades of abuse, misuse, neglect and the perpetrators would be behind bars for a lifetime.

Murray is however a River system running down the Eastern side of Australia. A failure of the State and Federal Governments, which legislate for this area, to set up a Management Board to ensure the River Murray system is properly cared for down the whole of it's length has resulted in the imminent death of the once healthy river.This River system goes through natural cycles of flooding and drought, but decades ago was blocked by barrages,weirs and the flow interupted by the removal of huge ammounts of water through irrigation pipes and pipelines to towns and cities.Water to keep the system healthy has always been the bottom priority or no priority.Inappropriate farming practices and crops which are water hungry have been promoted and good practice in conservation has not been observed.Much of the water is lost through evaporation in dams and water channels or through careless use.Recent information indicates that in some areas sprinklers are allowed to run in the hottest part of the day and artificial turf is watered "because it feels nice".All these acts are responsible for killing the River Murray. This has been allowed to happen because not enough people care or understand the seriousness of the situation.It has happened because Government won't grasp the nettle, due to previous arrangements,deals and buy-backs.Australia has recently shown that in times of hardship the community spirit is alive and well. It is time for that community spirit to focus on the dying River Murray in an attempt to halt the damage.It cannot be reversed, nor can the dead animals be brought back to life.The Long-knecked Turtles are dying slow and painful deaths due to infestations by the Bloodworm used by fisherpeople as bait.All have a responsibility.It's time to accept it,think again and refuse to allow politicians to play water politics. Thanks to Gary for his excellent photos illustrating this story.