Irrigator E-News 15 January 2010

15 January 2010

Allocations Increases for Murray and Goulburn Systems

Goulburn-Murray Water (G MW), the resource manager for northern Victorian water systems, today announced increased allocations for the Murray and Goulburn systems. Allocations in all other systems remain unchanged. The seasonal allocation in the Murray system is 63% of high-reliability water shares (HRWS), which is an increase of 3% HRWS. The seasonal allocation in the Goulburn system is 55% HRWS, which is an increase of 5% HRWS.

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Commonwealth Water Buyback

The Commonwealth Government is currently accepting applications from eligible sellers of water entitlements in the southern connected system of the Murray Darling Basin as part of its Environmental Water Buyback Program. The Commonwealth intends to hold three tenders across the first half of 2010, with the first tender commencing 11 January and closing Friday 29 January. Further information about the Buyback program and application forms are available at Southern Basin Tender 2010

Exemptions to 4% water trading limit

NVIRP has announced a new process that will allow some customers to obtain an exemption from the current 4% limit on water share transfers from an Irrigation Area. NVIRP is mailing a letter and a fact sheet to all Irrigation Area customers and NVIRP will hold information meetings commencing Monday 18 January. If you would like to know more visit NVIRP's website at www.nvirp.com.au or phone their Exemption Hotline on 1300 068 477.

Some useful water trading tips from G-MW

1. Most of the information you will need to complete a water share transfer application is included on the annual statement issued by the Victorian Water Register. The statements are mailed at the start of each irrigation season (July). If you require a replacement copy please contact your local G-MW office.
2. NVIRP's exemptions do not exempt the transfer from all other trading rules and assessments.
3. Once lodged, G-MW generally processes accurate and complete water transfer applications within 10 working days
4. Customers are encouraged to contact their broker or adviser to ensure their application has been lodged with G-MW before seeking a processing update from G-MW. Once lodged, customers can contact G-MW for an update on the status of their application.

The Commonwealth Buyback and the NVIRP exemption process are just some of a growing range of water trading opportunities for G-MW customers. G-MW recommends that customers seek further advice from a professional broker or adviser to better understand all of their options and which option is right for their farm operations and circumstances.

Customer Accounts and Billing

Customers who are eligible for the 2009/10 drought assistance rebate will soon receive their amended account statement for their fixed annual water charges.

Payment dates have been extended for these customers.

2nd instalment 16 February
3rd instalment 16 March
4th instalment 16 April
or
Payment in full 28 February.
For further information contact 1300 553 200

Specific Irrigation Area Information

Central Goulburn

The water level in Central Goulburn (CG) channel 6 will be lowered 1km North and 1 km South of the Toolamba-Rushworth Rd to facilitate works on the CG 3/6 Offtake. The water level will be lowered for 3 days, beginning Monday 18 January 2010. Irrigators, who believe they will be affected, should place their orders prior or after these dates. For more information please contact Dave Dowell at the CG office on 5833 5705

Murray Valley

ARROWHEAD SPRAYING - Spray crews are currently undertaking arrowhead control spraying in supply channels. You may be contacted to for two reasons. Firstly to assist in this work being carried out, Secondly to notify you that the channel will be unfit for D&S supplies for 48 hours after spraying. Your cooperation is encouraged to assist us controlling arrowhead in order to help deliver the expected strong autumn demand.

Pyramid-Boort

There are large volumes of water available but yet to be delivered to Irrigators in the Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area. To minimise the impact of capacity constraints and avoid the potential need for rationing of deliveries, G-MW urges all customers to start planning their autumn water supply requirements now and contact a Planner on 1300 469 to discuss your options

Rochester-Campaspe

Campaspe customers are reminded that the next Domestic & Stock supply will be available between 2 and 4 February 2010. Any customers who require access to water are requested to advise G-MW of their requirements to enable efficient planning and delivery of water. G-MW can be contacted via WaterLINE on 1300 469 469

Shepparton

The EG21 pipeline at Katandra is closed at the off take due to maintenance works being carried out. Customers wishing to order water will need to ring their planner on 1300 469 469 and discuss their needs. For more information please contact the Shepparton Office on 58329900

Torrumbarry

With irrigation demand remaining low, flows on the National channel over the next two weeks are expected to be less than 1000 ML/d. As a result, levels in the Gunbower creek will be low and supply into the Gunbower Lagoons may not meet irrigation demands. In addition, Gunbower creek flows below Cohuna Weir are likely to be less than 70 ML/d and customers' pump suction lines may not provide access to water.

Diversions

G-MW has commenced its second round of diversion customer meter reads. To complete this program G-MW staff will need to enter properties to undertake the meter read.

G-MW encourages all customers to be careful in their use of equipment such as angle grinders, chainsaws and other heavy machinery to minimize fire risks.

Groundwater

Click here to see current allocations for groundwater supply areas.

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