Murray MP secures $2 million in extra funding to research link between water and MND

Independent MP for Murray Helen Dalton has secured $2 million from the State Labor Government to fund urgent research into the connection between blue green algae in waterways and high rates of motor neurone disease in the Riverina.

The funding will allow scientists from Macquarie University’s Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research to recommence their vital work, after the research was abandoned due to a lack of funding.

“This research should never have stopped,” Ms Dalton said. “We are talking about people’s lives.”

“I’m very glad this new government has agreed to provide this additional funding. It is urgently needed.”

Motor neurone disease is a progressive condition which attacks the nerve cells that control muscles affecting speech, swallowing and breathing.

Rates of MND are up to seven times higher around Lake Wyangan, located near Griffith, than in other areas of Australia.

“We must give the researchers the resources they need to understand the impact blue green algae may be having on so many lives,” Ms Dalton said. “This connection shouldn’t be a mystery and if we are going to address this problem, the first step is to understand the problem.”

Up to 90% of MND cases are believed to be triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors.

“We all need to know whether the high rates are being caused by blue green algae, or pesticides, or some other factor,” Ms Dalton said. “The people of Murray deserve answers and this funding for research will finally provide those answers.”