15 January 2008

ALLOCATION INCREASE FOR GS

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) has welcomed today's announcement by Minister for Water Utilities, Nathan Rees of a 6% increase in the available water determination for general security users. General security customers move from the pre-Christmas allocation of 3% to 9%. High security remains at 90%, with both general and high security licence holders having access to 5% of the water suspended in their 06/07 accounts.

MI Chairman, Dick Thompson also announced an additional 1% company enhancement for general security users. “This additional 1% for general security users is available to all customers who do not owe the company water and who do not have a net trade out of MI.”

“Substantial rain before and during the Christmas period in the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin has increased flows and water storage levels in the drought-stricken Murray and Murrumbidgee river systems in southern NSW,” Mr Rees.

The system remains on a restricted supply regime as per previous advice to customers. Eligible customers requiring irrigation water outside this regime should contact MI Irrigation Services in Griffith or Leeton in order for possible solutions to be considered. The next rostered large area watering is scheduled to commence in the second/third week of February, subject to need. Order dates and details will be advised shortly. To ensure customers receive this info rmation as soon as it is available, MI advises all customers to join MI's free Quick Contact Messaging Service to receive details by SMS / fax / email.

Ends

For further info rmation regarding this media release, please contact Dick Thompson, Chairman Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 6962 0200.