HORTICULTURE GROWERS ASSURED OF WATER

6 June 2003

In an effort to relieve concerns that will exist in relation to water available for next year, Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation assured horticultural growers today that the Company would make the necessary water available next irrigation year to keep permanent plantings alive and ensure crops.

"Shareholders will have concerns about recent reports that full allocation for horticulture may not be announced for next year due to the severe shortage. Water levels in Burrinjuck and Blowering Dam are respectively 5.5% and 2.6%."

Mr Hipkins said that the Company would protect permanent plantings, as it had done during the last two seasons, ensuring that water was available even when irrigators had run out of allocation.

"Because of the extraordinary year, the Company is working with Riverina Citrus and is already preparing for a mid winter citrus watering for frost protection, if significant rain does not fall in the meantime."

"Murrumbidgee Irrigation remains committed to supporting all our shareholders and the broader community in these difficult times. During times of hardship, like we are currently experiencing, it is important that all sectors of the community work together to support each other," concluded Mr Hipkins.

Further information on the mid winter watering will be issued soon.

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