IRRIGATION SEASON CLOSES 31 MAY

13 May 2005

Murrumbidgee Irrigation announced today that the Irrigation Season would close on 31 May and restart the first week of August, unless the region receives significant rainfall.

Brett Tucker, Operations Manager, Murrumbidgee Irrigation said “The shutdown period is essential to the operations of the Company. It allows us to undertake major refurbishment works on aging infrastructure. This year we will also be dealing with some major weed infestations that have developed in recent years as a result of water being retained in channels over winter.

"However, due to the continuing dry conditions water will be held in some channels during the winter period to enable a winter citrus watering in mid to late June, in the absence of significant rainfall.

In addition we will be working with Riverina Citrus to monitor conditions throughout July.

“In order for the winter watering program to be successful it is important that irrigators ensure water is not taken without an order being placed. We are making every effort to support irrigators in their attempt to protect citrus crops, however, we need the cooperation of everyone with access to the channels,” said Mr Tucker.

Final water orders must be placed by Friday 20 May. The last day of supply will be Tuesday 31 May. In addition, citrus growers requiring water during the shut down in late June must have orders to Leeton before Wednesday 15 June and Griffith before Monday 20 June.

Mr Tucker 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.

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.