Irrigator E-News 1 April 2010

1 April 2010

Final Allocations for 2009/10 Season Announced

Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW), the resource manager for northern Victorian water systems, today announced the final seasonal allocations for 2009/10.

The allocation in the Murray system is 100% of high-reliability water shares (HRWS), an improvement of 22% (HRWS). The allocation in the Goulburn system increased by 2% HRWS to be 71% HRWS and the Broken system allocation rose by 4% HRWS to be 17% HRWS. The allocations in the Loddon and Bullarook systems were unchanged at 3% HRWS and 19% HRWS respectively. The Campaspe system remained at zero allocation.

> More Information

BGA High Alert Tallaroop Reservoir

G-MW has issued a water quality alert for Tullaroop Reservoir with monitoring detecting high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

G-MW advises that water users should avoid contact with the water and seek alternative supplies for domestic and stock purposes.

> More Information

BGA Update Murray River

The High Alert for blue-green algae on the Murray River was updated on the 26 March 2010 and remains effective at:

Hume Dam

Lake Mulwala to Echuca/Moama

Murray Valley Irrigation Area Channels

Torgannah Lagoon

High Alert levels are no longer in place between:

Albury and Corowa

Torrumbarry Weir and Robinvale

The response to the outbreak in the Murray River is overseen by the Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (MRACC) which ensures a coordinated response across Murray states. For latest updates visit the MRACC website. Algae levels will continue to be monitored and updates will be provided via media and this website.

Dairy Shed Water Licence - Amnesty Extended

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has extended the dairy shed amnesty until 23 April 2010, so that farmers can upgrade their licences to accurately reflect how much water they actually use, or apply for a licence if they don't have one.

G-MW has adopted a risk based approach to assessing licence applications, allowing reduced fees for low risk applications. Around 90% of applications are expected to be low risk.

Updates to the program in regards to metering and dairy farmers using water from farm dams have also been announced. For more information:

• Refer to your Department of Primary Industries Dairy Shed Water booklet sent to all dairy farmers in Victoria (which also includes application forms)
• Visit http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/saving/farms/dairy-wash-licensing
• Phone the DPI/DSE Customer Service hotline on 136 186

> G-MW's Dairy Shed Water Licence webpage

Local knowledge, local service

G-MW Operational Area offices offer a broad range of services to all customers including diversion and groundwater customers.

Customers can contact their local operations centre for their water enquiries.

The six Operational Areas and associated contact details are:

Goulburn-Broken Operations

21 Wheeler Street, Shepparton 3630 Ph 5832 9900

Loddon Operations

24 Barber Street, Pyramid Hill 3575 Ph 5455 7100

Central Murray Operations

78 Kerang-Koondrook Road, Kerang 3579 Ph 5451 0111

Murray North-East Operations

Cobram Centre,

Dillon Street, Cobram 3644 Ph 5871 0100

Wangaratta Centre,

Murrell Street, Wangaratta 3677 Ph 5723 2501

Central Goulburn Operations

33 Casey Street, Tatura 3616 Ph 5833 5705

Campaspe Operations

41 High Street, Rochester 3561 Ph 5484 0400

> New Local Operational Areas Map

Customer Meetings

G-MW will hold a series of customer meetings across the region throughout April to assist customers in their end of irrigation year planning and to update customers on a range of current and emerging issues such as seasonal outlooks, water trading, pricing, carryover, spillable water accounts, the water trading ballot, dairy washdown amnesty, end of season issues and more....

Customers can find out the latest information on seasonal outlooks and water issues impacting on their business by attending one of these sessions.

Informal meetings will run for approximately 2 hours and are free to attend. For dates and locations please see the individual area sections below.

> More Information

General Customer Messages

Meter reads will shortly be undertaken across all areas for gravity irrigation customers and regulated diverters. You may be contacted to assist G-MW staff gain access to your property.

Customers are urged to check their ABA statements and input their meter readings online to calculate their usage for the season. If you believe you may have overused your allocation, please contact your local area office listed above.

With the end of the irrigation season quickly approaching, gravity and piped district irrigation customers need to be aware of the following dates:

• 10 May 2010. Last day for placing orders for the 2009/10 season 
• 15 May 2010. Last day for receiving water ordered for 2009/10 season
• For more information contact your local office

Murray North-East Operations (Murray Valley)

For further information phone G-MW Cobram office on 5871 0100 or G-MW Wangaratta office on 5723 2501

Planners in the Murray Valley area are available from 7am to 11pm, Mon-Sun. Customers are asked to contact Planners with any order changes, winter requirement and channel leaks on phone 1300 469 469 469. During busy periods, customers can leave messages via the phone or online system.

Goulburn-Broken Operations (Shepparton)

For further information phone the G-MW Shepparton office on 5832 9900

Central Goulburn Operations (Central Goulburn)

Customer Meeting dates and locations

For further information phone the G-MW Tatura office on 5833 5705

NVIRP will be undertaking plastic lining of certain channels during the winter works period. Customers on these channels are currently being notified directly by NVIRP. For more information visit the NVIPRP website.

Campaspe Operations (Rochester-Campaspe)

Customer Meeting dates and locations

For further information phone the G-MW Rochester office on 5484 0400

For information on the future of the Campaspe Irrigation District, customers are advised to contact NVIRP Project Manager Clair Haines on 1300 163 006 or visit the NVIRP website. 70 per cent of customers holding 90 per cent of the water entitlements have chosen to exit the system. NVIRP is in the process of communicating directly with CID customers. 

NVIRP will be undertaking plastic lining of certain channels during the winter works period. Customers on these channels are currently being notified directly by NVIRP. For more information visit the NVIPRP website.

Due to channel levels being at full supply level, damage by cattle has become more apparent. Customers are asked to notify the Rochester office if they believe there are potential channel leaks.

Loddon Operations (Pyramid-Boort)

Customer Meeting dates and locations

For further information phone the G-MW Pyramid Hill office on 5455 7100

Customers wishing to pre-water for cropping are asked to place their orders early. Due to recent rainfall high demand is expected after Easter and therefore rationing is likely to occur. G-MW Planners can be contacted for more information via Waterline on phone 1300 469 469.

Channels are currently running at capacity. Customers are asked to contact G-MW on phone 1300 469 469 and report any known leaks, to help ensure efficient water delivery.

Pool retention for winter storage will be considered for exceptional circumstances, but must be specifically requested by completing an application form. Application forms are available from the G-MW Pyramid Hill office phone 5455 7100. Conditions apply and can be discussed with local G-MW staff. 

Central Murray Operations (Torrumbarry)

Customer Meeting dates and locations

For further information phone the G-MW Kerang office on 5451 0111

Groundwater

Groundwater Salinity Samples are required to be returned ASAP. Selected customers with irrigation bores have received a bottle in the mail which enables you to collect a groundwater sample and return it to G-MW for salinity analysis. The data sourced from the samples is important for research and groundwater management purposes. For more information please contact the G-MW Groundwater Team on (03) 5833 5774

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