‘Our Darling is being held for ransom’ represents the lack of water ‘flow’ in the lower Darling River due to the way water is over allocated and stored in the upper Darling and Barwon River Basin.

Over allocation to large farms in the upper reaches of the river basin has resulted in very little if any water reaching the lower portions of the river. The groups storing the water say it’s all because of the drought. It has rained heavily many times in the last ten years yet no real ‘flows’ make it to the lower Darling River. Politicians know where the problem lies but have delayed implementing the reforms needed to redress the current situation. Those holding back this water are holding to ransom all other stakeholders in the river.

The Darling River from Burke south is now chronically short of water. Water levels are so low in some areas that only individual pools of water remain. That means the supply of water to a number of population centres is continuously under threat. The water that is available is generally of a poor quality. Towns and cities, such as Burke, Wilcannia and Broken Hill struggle to maintain sufficient water supplies.

The lack of water in the river has a very negative effect on the flora and fauna. Animals and plants that rely on the ebb and flow of the river are now suffering great hardship. The supply of water to properties along the river has also been affected. The lack of water has also reduced the number of people visiting and using the river that has reduced income for those who rely on a steady flow of tourists.

The animals, plants, camping, fishing and the laughter have all faded away as the condition of the Darling River continues to deteriorate. Overuse of water up stream, lack of rain, no fresh ‘flows’ and blue green algae have all contributed to the almost ten years of disastrous conditions along the Darling.

Clark Barrett

120 x 100 cm, Acrylic on stretched canvas, 2006

Now whenever locals see the Darling River, even in its current sorry state, they remember what it used to look like in living memory. They also know why the river is empty.