''If you want to see an example of stress from climate change, and where it could go over time, look at what's behind us here in terms of the Murray-Darling system,'' Mr Rudd said. ''Therefore, the challenge for us is not to bury our heads in the sand and pretend this problem will just go away.''

Mr Rudd and Climate Change Minister Penny Wong visited the lower lakes region yesterday to highlight the need for action on global warming, the day after Professor Ross Garnaut's draft report on climate change was issued.

The report warned that Australia risked losing natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu National Park if it didn't act now to combat global warning. It also recommended that an emissions trading scheme be operating by 2010 and include petrol, with no cut in the fuel excise.

Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson adopted a more cautious stance, saying, ''It is important that we don't see haste, that we don't see ill-considered policies developed and implemented for Australia and what we will do is put Australia's interests first.''