15 October 2008

ROSTERED WATERING FOR MI CUSTOMERS

Today’s announcement of a 2% increase in general security allocation (GS) and another 2% deliverable after February 09 is welcome news for MIA irrigators. This brings GS customers to a current total entitlement of 7% with high security (HS) customers already at 95% allocation. Town and stock and domestic supplies have also been increased to 95% of entitlement. The Murrumbidgee Valley is in a more fortunate position to Murray Valley irrigators whom have just received their first GS allocation since 2006 of 2%, with their HS farmers today increasing to 95% allocation.

Despite today’s announced increases, the low GS allocations still means that Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) will need to undertake rostered watering events for stock and domestic customers as well as those eligible customers located outside of continuous supply zones. The second rostered watering will take place from Tuesday 28th October, finishing at the latest on Wednesday 5th November. Customers are encouraged to work together with neighbours regarding timing of water delivery requirements in their channel location so that water is not unnecessarily wasted in conveyance loss.

Orders are to be placed between Friday 17th October and 4.00pm Monday 20th October with Irrigation Services. For Leeton customers, orders are to be placed using the central water ordering phone service (6953 0161 / 0162 / 0165). Griffith orders are to be placed in person with Irrigation Services in Yambil St or your Division Operator. Customers will need to specify start and stop times and quantity of water required. Orders will close at 4pm on the 20th October and late orders cannot be accommodated.

The Griffith administration office in Banna Avenue and the Irrigation Services office in Banna Lane/Yambil St will be moving to the new MI Business Centre in Research Station Road, Hanwood, adjacent to CSIRO from Tuesday 4th November. The current offices will close permanently to customer access from midday Friday the 31st October. Due to the move, Irrigation Services in Griffith will not be available to customers between Friday 31st October and including Monday 3rd November as staff relocate offices and phone and computer systems are changed over. All orders for Griffith customers during this period must be placed by 4.00pm Thursday 30th October. Late orders will not be accepted as the water ordering system will be unavailable during this relocation period. Division Operators can be contacted for emergency situations.

As previously advised, MI staff will be surveying large area customers serviced by the Main Canal, Sturt Canal and Wah Wah systems between the 17th and 24th October to confirm the following:

• Determine customers wishing to irrigate summer crops and confirm location of supply
• Confirm areas of winter crops irrigated this season

The survey information will be correlated and customers will be contacted to confirm ongoing commitments to supply planned summer crop programs and stock and domestic supply.

MI urges customers to take into account continued rostered supply arrangements when developing their water management plans for this season. Contact Irrigation Services in Leeton or Griffith for any further information required. Customers are also strongly encouraged to regularly check MI’s website www.mirrigation.com.au as well as to join its Quick Contact List for text messages, email and fax communications to stay informed of changes to conditions and allocations.

Ends

For further information regarding this media release, please contact David Heffer, Irrigation Services Manager Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 6962 0200.