Water Relief for Irrigators

19 December 2002

Irrigators needing water to finish crops may apply for additional water through a new scheme negotiated by Murrumbidgee Irrigation.

The continuing hot and dry conditions has meant that many irrigation farmers look like exceeding their water budgets before their crops are finished.On behalf of irrigators Murrumbidgee Irrigation has sought assurances for back up water during recent negotiations with Snowy Hydro Limited and the Department of Land & Water Conservation.Murrumbidgee Irrigation today announced a further rescue package to provide irrigators with an alternative to cutting off crop areas.

At this stage the package is limited to 1 megalitre per hectare of existing crop. It is a borrow arrangement and does not mean an increase in allocation. Murrumbidgee Irrigation shareholders and river licensees requiring additional water should apply to the Company offices in Griffith or Leeton.

Applications open on Monday 23 December and close on 10 January 2003.

ends

For further information contact: John Chant, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, phone: 6953 0100