South Australians face a choice: save the River Murray or brace for more red tape.

The possibility of a critically endangered status for the River Murray has brought up a range of reactions in South Australia. 

Residents along the river have expressed concerns, with many focused on environmental implications and potential restrictions on development.

Ngarrindjeri elder Mark Koolmatrie supports the proposal, stating that a critical listing is crucial for the river's survival. 

“We are sick and tired of words - what we want is action and that our waters are looked after,” Koolmatrie told ABC reporters. 

He believes the entire river system needs this level of protection to ensure it can be sustained for future generations.

The draft conservation advice from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) identifies widespread species decline, ecological disruptions, and barriers to restoration as major concerns. 

The committee's review specifically focused on the stretch from the Darling River to the sea, highlighting ongoing threats like water extraction, river regulation, invasive species, and climate change.

However, not all are in favour. 

Caren Martin, chair of SA Murray Irrigators, says that the “extreme classification” is not justified. 

“Critically endangered is the next step to extinct,” she said, describing the proposed status as “somewhat deceptive to the public and river communities”. 

She has also raised concerns about potential regulatory barriers that could halt development, affecting irrigation and local economies.

But the draft proposal has gained backing from environmental advocates. 

The River Lakes and Coorong Action Group sees the status as long overdue, noting that the lower Murray ecosystem has struggled to recover since the Millennium Drought, and recent fish kill events further demonstrate the urgency. 

The TSSC’s draft assessment was built on a 2013 evaluation that had initially listed the river as critically endangered, though this status was later repealed after four months. 

The new assessment aims to update earlier findings, incorporating recent ecological data and community input. 

South Australia’s opposition opposes the proposed listing, warning that it could introduce excessive regulatory requirements. 

A final decision is expected to be delivered to Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek by 29 November.

The decision remains pending as the Department for Environment and Water reviews public feedback on the draft.

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