WATER TRANSFERS CLOSE ON 2 AUGUST 2004

15 July 2004

All Murrumbidgee Irrigation shareholders intending to transfer water during the 04/05 irrigation season must lodge their "Intent to Transfer" application by Monday, 2 August 2004.

"At this stage there is no change in the 5% pre-Feb and 4% post-Feb general security water allocation" said Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive, Murrumbidgee Irrigation.

Mr Hipkins added, "DIPNR has announced that purchasers of high security water transfers need to understand they can only expect delivery of 80% of the traded water by the end of February."

"The Department has also indicated that some restrictions may be relaxed if water availability improves during the coming months, however irrigators should not rely on changes to the present circumstances when preparing their water budget," concluded Mr Hipkins.

Mr Hipkins added that "Water Access Rules for the current irrigation season for Company shareholders are available on the website: www.mirrigation.com.au"

Irrigators who would like assistance with water planning for the coming season should contact Murrumbidgee Irrigation Customer Services - Ray Watson, 02 6953 0100 or Brad Power, 02 6962 0200.

Ends
For further information contact Geoff Hipkins, 02 6953 0100.