National canal system ideal solution to our water woes

AS David Wurn wrote (GCB, Jan 15), a master plan to provide water to drought-affected areas of the country should definitely be at the top of the list for any political party seeking election.

John Bradfield’s 1930 blueprint of Australia’s northern dams should be used as a basis of this plan, using modern surveying methods to improve and update new corridors for water to flow to these drier areas. But rather than pipes to move the water, there should be a canal system capable of taking river traffic (as in Europe). They could connect to large natural waterways as well.

Then not only would lifesaving water be supplied to dry areas for farmers, but tourism would be a major boost to the economy of remote areas.

Being able to travel by riverboat from one end of the country to the other would open up so much of our land to tourists and provide employment to so many in country and rural areas affected by drought.

Not only would this make water for agriculture a reality, but boost local rural economies to the extent that young people would be able to stay on the land, and not have to leave for the city to get employment and have a life.

The creation of new enterprises capable of supplying services along these canals to boaties is huge, as is the life-changing nourishment given by this valuable water to farmers, their stock and the food they produce – that all keep Australia the great place it is. R. BEAUMONT LABRADOR