Murrumbidgee Irrigation

The recent allocation announcements by the Department of Water and Energy (DWE) together with the MI enhancement of 5% for general security shareholders has led to the Company announcing the opening of additional broadacre supply divisions for continuous access for the summer growing season, notionally until mid March 2009.

The Company is generally able to meet those customers needs who indicated their intention to embark on a summer cropping program in the recently completed annual summer cropping survey. Those customers who did not respond or advised they had no intention and are now reconsidering are encouraged to make contact with Irrigation Services staff to discuss their particular circumstances.
Where continuous demand has not been projected, the Company will maintain its eight weekly rostered stock and domestic service as previously described, subject to demand. Main Canal and Sturt system stock and domestic watering remains scheduled for 28th October 2008 - 5th November and Wah Wah Irrigation District system watering end November 2008, coinciding with the Spring Wah Wah Stock and Domestic filling.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation will soon distribute draft advice to customers which defines long term continuous vs rostered supply zones under a range of drought operating conditions. Generally these zones reflect the manner in which the system has been operated over the last two seasons.
MI urges customers to take into account continued rostered supply arrangements when developing their water management plans for the season. Contact Irrigation Services in Griffith or Leeton 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 SMS messages, email and fax communications to stay informed of changes to conditions and allocations.

For further information regarding this press release, please contact David Heffer, Irrigation Services Manager, Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 69 620 200.