Irrigation Season Closes 1 June

9 May 2003

Murrumbidgee Irrigation announced today that the Irrigation Season would close on 1 June, for a minimum of 8 weeks.

John Chant, Acting Chief Executive said "This year's close will again support the citrus and other industry needs to access irrigation supplies early in August 2003, and at the same time to enable essential maintenance and construction work to be carried out."

Final water orders must be placed by Monday 26 May. The last day of supply will be 1 June.

"Some local variations to channel access and closing times will be negotiated with landholders to satisfy specific crop demands, maximise work opportunities and eliminate water wastage," continued Mr Chant.

Mr Chant advised landholders to seriously consider soil moisture requirements so that crops do not suffer during the closedown. Home and garden users who access water directly from the channel system should also be mindful of the closedown period.

The start of the 2003/04 irrigation season is planned for early August.

Water orders for supply before closedown should be placed in the normal manner. For further information contact your Division Operator or Irrigation Services staff at Griffith - 6962 0224,or Leeton - 6953 0154.

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