Murrumbidgee Irrigation

The NSW Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Friday 3 Nov an immediate suspension to temporary water trading in the NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys due to record low inflows into water storages and the ongoing severe climatic conditions. This suspension has been applied in order for DNR to undertake a critical review of resource availability and announced allocations.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation is currently working through the extent and severity of the impact this review may have on MIA farmers. Outcomes of discussions between the Prime Minister and both the Premier's and Water Ministers of NSW, VIC and SA taking place on Tues 7 Nov will also influence the situation for NSW and the Murrumbidgee region.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Managing Director, Brett Tucker advised that this latest review from DNR could have far-reaching consequences for our farmers and region. “I have sought immediate clarification from DNR as to the effect on current water allocations before making any announcement. After October's record hot and dry conditions it is increasingly likely that reductions to allocations will occur which will have a severe impact on general security users who have committed to a summer cropping program this year,” Mr Tucker said.

In brief, allocation announcements in the Murrumbidgee are based on the following:

• Water in Murrumbidgee storages

• Assured minimum inflows from Snowy Hydro Limited

• Previous lowest recorded natural inflows to Murrumbidgee storages

For 2006/07 and in particular the month of October, inflows to the Snowy and Murrumbidgee have been lower than all previous records. This means the currently announced allocations are at risk.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation is doing all it can to understand the severity and likely impacts of the situation before making any further announcements. “At this time, we all need to know exactly where we stand with regard to allocations so our decisions and our advice to customers can be based on fact and not speculation,” he said.

“Any reduction in announced allocations would have significant impacts on our customers and the communities they support in the MIA. We will do everything possible to understand the situation and where possible, mitigate against any effects” said Mr Tucker.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation advises customers and interested parties seeking further information to either contact Mr Tucker directly or refer to their website www.mirrigation.com.au for the latest announcements.