IRRIGATION SEASON CLOSES 31 MAY

20 May 2004

The Irrigation Season will close on 31 May for a minimum of 8 weeks. Murrumbidgee Irrigation has a $5 million winter capital works program scheduled that will upgrade a number of critical sites.

Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation said, "We have had discussions with industry groups regarding the closure and we will be working with irrigators to ensure access to critical supplies early in August 2004."

"We are aware of concerns regarding winter watering, and will we do everything we can to ensure supply to these valuable crops," continued Mr Hipkins. "Irrigators will be advised on the availability of winter water as soon as details are available."

"Our capital works program must go ahead this year to ensure supply during the peak irrigation season. We were able to suspend a number of projects last year to provide citrus water during the peak drought period, however to delay these upgrades another year would jeopardise our system reliability for the coming irrigation season.

Sites targeted for major work include the Bundidgery and Narrandera regulators; Beltrame and McMahon regulators; Fowlers Bridge; the six-foot drop on the Main Canal regulator at Yenda and the Three-ways bridge relocation.

"These major works must be carried out. In addition we will be using the closure period to complete minor upgrades, repairs and infrastructure replacements such as our doppler program, culverts and earth works," said Mr Hipkins.

The last day of supply will be Monday, 31 May. Final water orders must be placed by Monday, 24 May.

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

Mr Hipkins advised landholders to consider soil moisture requirements so 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 2004/05 irrigation season is planned for early August," concluded Mr Hipkins.

Water orders should be placed in the normal manner. For further information contact your Channel Attendant or Irrigation Services Planners at Griffith - 6962 0224, or Leeton - 6953 0154.