15 December 2006

NO FURTHER CUTBACKS BUT CAUTION REQUIRED ON WATER

Murrumbidgee Irrigation today advised that while the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have not released a further assessment for November, there has been no advice to suggest further deterioration in the situation for the Murrumbidgee Valley.

"We have not received any notice that annual allocations currently on the table will be reduced below the levels announced on November 10, despite the ongoing dry conditions" said Murrumbidgee Irrigation's Managing Director, Brett Tucker.

"Our company has put in place a range of initiatives to be in the best position possible to deliver the remaining allocation. These include tightening system control and minimising water losses. Despite the significant efforts of Murrumbidgee Irrigation field staff and customers to improve our system water losses, at such low levels of diversion and with evapotranspiration rates at such high levels, the performance of our conveyance allowance is at risk of falling behind previously estimated levels. "

Whilst this does not put the 85% for high security users or 15% for general security users at risk, it may have some impact on Murrumbidgee Irrigation's announced assistance measures and their ability to deliver water through to the end of the current season for all users.

"I urge all users to be as careful and cautious as possible about their water use for the remainder of the season" warned Mr Tucker.

For large area farms, customers should exercise caution with respect to their Autumn programs as there is a chance of system closure in March if conditions do not improve.

For high security supplies, customers should not expect access to the crop protection package before the end of February this year. Horticulture deliveries after March may require special arrangements, such as periodic watering events followed by system shut down.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation will continue to provide information on this most important issue to their customers as efficiently and effectively as possible and look forward to their continued cooperation in these difficult times.