Water Relief for Horticulture Irrigators

29 November 2002

Murrumbidgee Irrigation relaxes water transfer rules this season.

"This is an exceptional year for water use," said Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation. "To assist horticulture irrigators keep their crops alive we will relax some water transfer rules for the current season.

Any shareholder who needs water can transfer in - even if they have already transferred out this season.

In addition, any shareholder who intended to transfer out, and have not sold the water, may suspend the sale and use the unsold water on their farm.

"Shareholders who take advantage of these changes will be required to transfer 1 megalitre to the Company for each megalitre of overuse that would have otherwise occurred at the start of the next irrigation season," said Mr Hipkins.

"Our priority is to assist irrigators through the current season. We recognise that water use this year is exceptional and that some water budgets may not cover the seasons needs.

"We are currently negotiating for water from Tantangera Dam. If realised, this option could cost $400 per megalitre delivered to the farm. Irrigators who wish to apply for Tantangera water must contact staff by 16 December. Irrigators that submit applications for this additional water will be obligated to pay the costs.

Mr Hipkins reminded irrigators that the Company has no extra water and overuse of allocation this year is not permitted.

"Shareholders who suspect that they will run out of water must act now to ensure they can continue watering. Any irrigators who overuse this season risk being cut off," said Mr Hipkins.

"I urge all irrigators concerned about their water requirements to contact our staff as soon as possible to discuss their water provisions.

Applications for water from Tantangera Dam, or general water enquiries should be directed to:

Brad Power, Griffith - phone: 02 6962 0200 or Ray Watson, Leeton - phone: 02 6953 0100.

ends

For further information contact: Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, phone: 6953 0100