THE MISSION

To improve the health of the Darling River in terms of water flow, water quality and riverside environment.

We are a non political group of concerned citizens of Aboriginal and white Australian backgrounds whose aim is to bring about these changes to the Murray - Darling River system, especially the Darling River system in its entirety.

Over the last 40 to 50 years local, state and federal governments have neglected Australia’s longest river network; the Murray-Darling Basin. The Darling River which starts in central and eastern Queensland finally empties into the Murray River near the borders of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia ( then via the Murray River to the ocean ). The Murray-Darling Basin covers and area of more than 1 million square kilometres, or one seventh of Australia’s land mass. The Darling River system constitutes almost 60% of this region.

Through continuous campaigns, lobbying to government and highlighting environmental issues ( backed up with fact and commonsense ) DRAG hopes to level enough pressure at local, state and federal governments to force dramatic changes in the management of the Darling River system for the long term benefit of the environment of this unique region.

The irrigation of water-hungry crops such as cotton and rice needs to be significantly decreased. The consequences of such water usage and the side effects of herbicides and chemicals in this arid zone river system has brought about the demise of the animal life, both marine and land based, throughout the length of the river. There is endless scientific research and recent massive fish kills which support these claims.

 It is the Mission of DRAG to reverse this diabolical situation and return life to the mighty Darling River system. We also aim to hold present politicians and governments responsible for the death of the river if action does not come. One of the local aboriginal tribes call themselves the Paakantji after the Darling River ( Paaka ). As traditional owners they have labelled the premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr, Paaka Puuka or Darling River Killer due to their dissatisfaction in the way the government is managing their river.