Goulburn-Murray Water has announced the annual groundwater allocations for the three management zones in the new Lower Campaspe Valley Water Supply Protection Area (WSPA) for the 2010/11 irrigation season.
An annual allocation applies to each management zone from 15 August 2010 until 30 June 2011 as follows:
|
Management Zone
|
Seasonal allocation
|
|
1028
|
75%
|
|
1029
|
100%
|
|
1030
|
100%
|
G-MW's Acting Executive Manager Water Resources, Dr Mark Bailey, said the allocations for the three zones were determined from an assessment of groundwater levels in this new WSPA. The allocation will control how much water can be pumped from the groundwater resource each year.
"As new management zones apply with the new WSPA, G-MW is writing to each groundwater customer in the Lower Campaspe Valley to inform them of the new boundaries and the relevant allocation for their entitlement," said Dr Bailey.
There are about 140 licensed customers in the new Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA, which came into effect on 1 August 2010. The WSPA extends from Lake Eppalock to the River Murray, and incorporates the towns of Echuca, Pine Grove, Lockington, Rochester, Elmore, Goornong, Barnadown, Fosterville and Axedale.
The methodology for determining the annual allocations for the three management zones is specified in interim management rules in place for the Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA, which can be accessed at www.g-mwater.com.au/water-resources/ground-water
G-MW will use these rules to administer the WSPA until a management plan for the new WSPA is approved by the Minister for Water.
Dr Bailey said "An important feature of the interim rules is the announcement of a single allocation for the season, which will help groundwater users to plan their water needs for the year."
"Over recent years, groundwater has become an important source of irrigation water for customers in the Lower Campaspe Valley. This allocation announcement will provide some welcome good news and certainty for these customers," said Dr Bailey.
Customers seeking further information about this announcement can direct their inquiry to Bob Knowles on phone 03 5833 5437.
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