Water Supplies Tighten Further

4 April 2003

It is not possible to meet present levels of demand for water in April There is now real possibility that remaining general security allocations will not be fully delivered before May or even late June.

In issuing this update for affected general security shareholders, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Geoff Hipkins said, "we are still hopeful of supplying water to those who need it by the end of the irrigation year. This will depend on levels of underuse and carryover this year, which we will be trying to better predict over the next few days."

Dam levels and inflows remain critical factors in water availability. The major reasons for the shortage in storage is the record low inflows to the dams this year and the need to hold back water to ensure high security supply.

In response to further river water restrictions introduced this week, the Company is continuing its water-sharing arrangements to ensure the available water is shared fairly. As a consequence a number of irrigators may have flows limited and deliveries may be rostered.

"Clearly, unless the supply situation improves, it will be very difficult for many shareholders. We ask that all irrigators continue to forecast water orders 7 days in advance. We will continue to do our best, and ask everyone to support each other through this difficult and testing period," concluded Mr Hipkins. Irrigators are encouraged to keep in close contact with their Channel Attendant or Planner.

Enquiries should be directed to Geoff Hipkins or Noel Heath at Murrumbidgee Irrigation Office in Leeton (6953 0100).

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