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Back in 1977 the Murray River was already showing signs of stress.Amongst other problems, the rising water table, caused by irrigationand the depletion of red river gum forests, resulted in higher thannormal levels of salt in the water.

Having grown up in the area, this degradation informed the production of photographs, installations, performances, drawings and paintings for Bonita Ely, Artist and Senior Lecturer at COFA.

Thirty years on, Bonita has returned to the Murray River to find it beset with blue green algae, turbidity, acid sulphate contamination,salination, torpidity, dried up lakes and red river gum die back. InSouth Australia it is barely flowing.

Bonita discusses her recent work, her connection to the area and mixing up her special Murray Darling punch.

More about Bonita Ely

Music written and performed by Caddie Brain