And there is no hope on the horizon that there will be any action taken to improve the problem occurring right here in our stretch of the River Murray.

Because of this, and to ensure the survival of the lower end of the River Murray, The Standard is joining forces with the Rural City of Murray Bridge, Mid Murray Council and Coorong District Council to hold a rally for ‘A Fairer Deal for the Lower Murray’ in Murray Bridge in just two weeks.

The Standard has secured leading River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong advocates to speak at the rally on Saturday, January 17.

The list includes politicians, local government representatives and community members, all wanting ‘A Fairer Deal for the Lower Murray’.

Opposition River Murray spoke-sman Adrian Pederick, Member for Barker Patrick Secker and South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will all be at the rally ready to take their views to parliament in the new year.

Mr Pederick has been a staunch supporter of The Standard’s campaign for ‘A Fairer Deal for the Lower Murray’.

He said the community taking action about an issue as important as this would help force the hand of governments to act.

“I have been tracking the demise of the river for over two years since the announcement of the proposed Wellington weir and I’m just concerned for the people right around both lakes especially,” he said.

“The environment is the biggest loser.”

Also attending and speaking will be Professor Diane Bell, who lives at Finniss and is a member of the River, Lakes and Coorong Action Group.

Unfortunately a number of politicians do not want to face the music of the rally, with both Water Minister Senator Penny Wong and Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull declining invitations, along with River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald and Premier Mike Rann.

No response has been given from the office of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.