5 September 2007

UPDATE TO MI WATERING REGIME FOR FARMERS

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) would like to update eligible customers on the current watering regime in place. There has been a huge demand on the system in light of the recent announcement of high security allocations at 60% and the 5% restored allocation available for use.

“We have had significant demand for water in the last two weeks following the allocation increase,” advised Brett Tucker, Managing Director of MI. “I know it's been frustrating for growers trying to access water especially with last week's above average temperatures. I thank customers for their patience with our Irrigation Services team who have been working around the clock to get water to farms and info rmation to everyone.”

To clarify the situation for eligible customers going forward:

1) HS in horticulture areas in Griffith and Leeton and the main canal will generally have access to continuous supply, however at least 48 hours notice will be required

2) The current large area watering event will now conclude on Wednesday 12 September due to the delay in water received from the catchments and the high demand from orders placed

3) Following the 12 September for large area customers, MI will generally instigate rostered watering events based around stock and domestic waterings, approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart (subject to need and climatic conditions). Dates and ordering requirements will be advised.

4) For customers requiring irrigation water outside this rostered regime, MI will need to work through solutions that balance customer requirements and system constraints. Some parts of the system will pose greater difficulties than others. Customers in this category should contact Irrigation Services so their requirements can be addressed and if possible accommodated.

5) All eligible customers are encouraged to work together with neighbours regarding timing of water delivery requirements in their channel area so that water is not unnecessarily wasted in conveyance loss. It is more efficient to coordinate waterings to a channel section to satisfy a number of farms at the one time. The more water we save from being lost becomes more water available for use.

MI's website will be kept up-to-date daily with Irrigation Services information and customers on our free SMS/email and fax service will be contacted immediately new information is available regarding any changes to the system put in place. It is in every customer's interest to register their mobile/email/fax details with MI in order to be contactable and kept up-to-date with the latest information. Contact either Leeton or Griffith receptions to register.

With the high demand on water resources, unfortunately some customers have had delays in being able to speak to both our Irrigation and Customer Services Teams as phone lines have been regularly engaged due to customer enquiries. MI sincerely apologises to customers for any delays and frustrations they may have experienced and asks for continued patience.

Ends

For further info rmation regarding this media release, please contact Russell Webb, Operations Manager Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 6962 0200.