27 August 2008

MI PROVIDES EARLIER SECOND ROSTERED WATERING

Following consultation with growers and commodity groups, Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) will be providing a second rostered watering event commencing 8th September 2008, subject to demand. Following on from this event, the company will commence continuous supply to the Main Canal. The first rostered watering event will be completed over this weekend, with the exception of some approved supplies to finish winter crops.

To clarify the situation for eligible customers going forward:

1) High security (HS) licence holders in horticulture areas in Griffith and Leeton, on and within reasonable proximity to the Main Canal, will have access to continuous supply from the 8th September. At least 48 hours ordering notice will be required. General security (GS) customers will also have access where no additional conveyance loss is required to supply. At least 4 days ordering notice is required. Customers who consider they have special need are encouraged to contact their Divisional Coordinator to discuss.

2) The next general access large area event remains scheduled to commence 7th October 2008 and will be subject to demand. Customers are encouraged to be mindful of their water-related needs outside of these events.

3) Following the scheduled October event for large area irrigators, MI will generally instigate rostered watering events based around stock and domestic needs, approximately 8 weeks apart (subject to need and climatic conditions). Dates and ordering requirements will be advised closer to these times.

4) Staff will commence a survey of large area summer cropping intentions on the 17th October until the 24th October. It is important for customers to advise MI of their intentions in the survey as we will use this data to establish areas where continuous supply, rostered supply or only limited stock and domestic supply can be accommodated. Customers will be advised of these outcomes by the15th November.

5) MI is committed to working through solutions in order to balance customer requirements and system constraints for farmers requiring irrigation water outside this rostered schedule. If in any doubt, customers should contact their Divisional Coordinator to discuss.

6) All 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.

The ordering period for the second watering opens Friday 29th August between 8am and 4pm and then again from Monday 1st Sept 8am until 4 pm on 2nd September 2008. Orders are to be placed with Irrigation Services via the Leeton phone answering service or for Griffith customers in person at the Yambil Street office. Griffith card boxes on the Main Canal system will be operational following commencement of continuous supply from the 8th September for eligible customers.

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. It is in every customer's interest to register their mobile /email/fax details with MI in order to be quickly contactable and kept up-to-date with the latest information. Customers can register their details with either Leeton or Griffith receptions.

Ends

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