Irrigator e-news 15 May 2010

15 May 2010

2010/11 Seasonal Allocation Outlook

Today G-MW updated the 2010/11 seasonal allocation outlook. The outlook provides a range of scenarios and potential allocations to assist irrigators and other water users in their planning for the year ahead. The outlook is based on a broad range of assumptions that can change significantly leading into the new season. The latest outlook is available online

G-MW Pricing Simulator to assist farm budget planning

G-MW has launched an online 2010/11 pricing simulator providing customers in Irrigation Areas with an indication of prices for their water storage and delivery services for the 2010/11 season. The simulator provides an indication of pricing based on G-MW’s proposed prices submitted to the Essential Services Commission (ESC). Once prices are approved, G-MW will confirm final 2010/11 prices for all customers. You can access the simulator online at www.g-mwater.com.au/pricingcalculator

Final meter reads

Customers are reminded that G-MW read meters during May each season. Both surface water diverters and groundwater customers who wish to use entitlement during May or June must order their requirements or contact their local Diversion Inspector.

If customers use water after 10 May, they are reminded to advise their local Diversion Inspector by 14 June 2010. This will ensure all meter readings are finalised by the end of the 2009/10 season. Failure to do so will result in any usage being accounted for against customers 2010/11 usage.

G-MW Water Trading and 2010/11 Ballot

G-MW will run a ballot on 12 July to ensure everyone has equitable access to early season processing of water share transfer applications. The ballot does not apply to allocation trades.

My water share application is not affected by the 4% limit, does it need to go in the ballot?
If you submit an application between 21 June and 9 July 2010 it will automatically be included in the ballot, regardless of whether the water shares are owned by an irrigation area customer or a regulated diverter. Remember, the ballot does not determine whether an application is successful - it allocates a number in the processing queue for each and every application.

Why?
G-MW anticipates there will be a large number of applications submitted in early 2010/2011. The ballot will fairly determine the processing order for ALL applications to transfer water shares received during this period.

What happens if I submit my application after the ballot application period?
G-MW will begin processing ballot applications on 12 July, once these are complete we will begin processing applications received after 9 July. If we have a large volume of ballot applications we may not be able to start processing the later applications for several months.

The 2010/11 ballot rules will be published on the DSE website shortly.

Upcoming Events

2010 Irrigation Expo 19-20 May 2010 at the Echuca Race Course. GMW staff will be on site to answer any questions.

Australian Irrigation Conference & Exhibition 2010 8-10 June 2010 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

For your Diary

Murray North-East Operations (Murray Valley)

• If you have used more allocation than is available, your ABA balance will be negative, ie. you are considered to be in overuse. Customers may be charged an overuse fee of $2000/ML if they fail to rectify the situation by arranging an allocation trade. Allocation trades will need to be submitted prior to 18 June 2010.
• As of 17 May 2010, planners will only be contactable during normal business hours.
• Please ensure you arrange for adequate on farm storage for all your winter water needs as it is not possible to rely on channels as a source of water during the winter period. Current operational and maintenance requirements may result in water being lowered or inaccessible.

Goulburn Broken Operations (Shepparton)

• If you have used more allocation than is available, your ABA balance will be negative, ie. you are considered to be in overuse. Customers may be charged an overuse fee of $2000/ML if they fail to rectify the situation by arranging an allocation trade. Allocation trades will need to be submitted prior to 18 June 2010.
• As of 17 May 2010, planners will only be contactable during normal business hours.
• Please ensure you arrange for adequate on farm storage for all your winter water needs as it is not possible to rely on channels as a source of water during the winter period. Current operational and maintenance requirements may result in water being lowered or inaccessible.

Central Goulburn Operations (Central Goulburn)

• If you have used more allocation than is available, your ABA balance will be negative, ie. you are considered to be in overuse. Customers may be charged an overuse fee of $2000/ML if they fail to rectify the situation by arranging an allocation trade. Allocation trades will need to be submitted prior to 18 June 2010.
• As of 17 May 2010, planners will only be contactable during normal business hours.
• Customers using Bensons Rd should be advised of road crossing works from 3-26 June.
• Please ensure you arrange for adequate on farm storage for all your winter water needs as it is not possible to rely on channels as a source of water during the winter period. Current operational and maintenance requirements may result in water being lowered or inaccessible.

Campaspe Operations (Rochester-Campaspe)

• If you have used more allocation than is available, your ABA balance will be negative, ie. you are considered to be in overuse. Customers may be charged an overuse fee of $2000/ML if they fail to rectify the situation by arranging an allocation trade. Allocation trades will need to be submitted prior to 18 June 2010.
• As of 17 May 2010, planners will only be contactable during normal business hours.
• Please ensure you arrange for adequate on farm storage for all your winter water needs as it is not possible to rely on channels as a source of water during the winter period. Current operational and maintenance requirements may result in water being lowered or inaccessible.

Lower Campaspe Valley groundwater management
Campaspe Valley landowners or other interested persons are invited to submit an expression of interest to be a member of the proposed Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA consultative committee. The appointment of a consultative committee will only proceed in the event the Minister for Water declares the new area as outlined in the previously published notices announcing the Minister for Waters intentions of declaring the Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA. Applications for expressions of interest close on Friday 21st May. For more information please go to the Groundwater information page on the G-MW website

Loddon Operations (Pyramid-Boort)

• If you have used more allocation than is available, your ABA balance will be negative, ie. you are considered to be in overuse. Customers may be charged an overuse fee of $2000/ML if they fail to rectify the situation by arranging an allocation trade. Allocation trades will need to be submitted prior to 18 June 2010.
• As of 17 May 2010, planners will only be contactable during normal business hours.
• Please ensure you arrange for adequate on farm storage for all your winter water needs as it is not possible to rely on channels as a source of water during the winter period. Current operational and maintenance requirements may result in water being lowered or inaccessible.

Upper Loddon Valley groundwater management
Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) will be holding community meetings to discuss the proposed changes to the management of groundwater in the upper Loddon Valley. G-MW will present recent information gathered about the region’s aquifer systems, explain the upcoming process for the proposed changes to management, including how to register interest in being a consultative committee member and provide a resource update for the area. The community meetings will be held at:

• Newlyn Football Club – Tuesday 18th May 2010 at 10am
• Ascot Public Hall – Tuesday 18th May 2010 at 2.30pm
• Maryborough Football Club – Wednesday 19th May 2010 at 10am

For more information please contact Bob Knowles at G-MW on (03) 5833 5437.

Upper Loddon Valley groundwater management
Upper Loddon valley landowners or other interested persons are invited to submit an expression of interest to be a member of the proposed Loddon Highlands WSPA consultative committee. The appointment of a consultative committee will only proceed in the event the Minister for Water declares the new area as outlined in the previously published notices announcing the Minister for Waters’ intentions of declaring the Loddon Highlands WSPA. Applications for expressions of interest close on Friday 21st May. For more information visit the groundwater information page on the G-MW website

Central Murray Operations (Torrumbarry)

• Since carryover for Murray regulated system customers will record against low then high reliability you should check the water shares you have attached to your ABA(s).
• End of irrigation season 15 May, due to very high demand we are experiencing difficulty meeting demand and some customers will be held back beyond the 15th. Customers along the National Channel and associated lagoons will need to be aware of lower channel heights due to draw down of the system from the 14th onwards.
• If you have used more allocation than is available, your ABA balance will be negative, ie. you are considered to be in overuse. Customers may be charged an overuse fee of $2000/ML if they fail to rectify the situation by arranging an allocation trade. Allocation trades will need to be submitted prior to 18 June 2010.
• As of 17 May 2010, planners will only be contactable during normal business hours.
• Please ensure you arrange for adequate on farm storage for all your winter water needs as it is not possible to rely on channels as a source of water during the winter period. Current operational and maintenance requirements may result in water being lowered or inaccessible.

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