With Goulburn-Murray Water's (G-MW's) annual water share ballot
completed this week, G-MW confirmed that the number of applications to
trade water shares was down by more than 10% compared with last season,
and the total volume of water nearly 30% lower.
G-MW General Manager Water Services Graeme Hannan said G-MW received 877
applications for a total of 130,000 ML of water shares. Last year G-MW
received 999 applications for a total of 190,000 ML.
"The lower number of applications may be a result of better seasonal
conditions, along with the fact that the 10% limit does not apply this
year, and we have also seen new opportunities for irrigators such as the
NVIRP exemption process," said Mr Hannan.
G-MW's water share ballot took place on Monday 12 July. The ballot
ensures applicants have equitable access to early season processing of
their water share application. An independent auditor oversees the
ballot and confirms that each application is randomly assigned a number
in the processing queue.
"It's important that everyone can have confidence in the fairness and
equity of the ballot process. Jim McKeown, an irrigator representative
from our Murray Valley Irrigation Area, also observed the ballot to see
the process first hand." said Mr Hannan.
With the order now established, G-MW will begin processing the
applications.
"We estimate it will take about 8 weeks to complete processing each of
the 877 applications. Once complete we will begin processing
applications we have received since 9 July 2010," said Mr Hannan.
This year the ballot incorporated all Water Share applications received
in the period between 21 June and 9 July including those not affected by
or with an NVIRP exemption from the 4% limit.
Applicants and the general public can monitor progress against the 4%
limits on the Victorian Water Register's website by viewing the 4% trade
out limit report. This report is updated live as G-MW approves
applications.
"Given the large number of applications received this year we urge
customers to wait until mid-August before calling us to check on the
progress of their application." said Mr Hannan.
Processing of water allocation (including carryover) transactions
commenced last week.
Regular updates on processing will be available on G-MW's website at http://www.g-mwater.com.au/water-trading.
Anyone seeking further information about water trading across Northern
Victoria can obtain this from the Victorian Water Register at http://www.waterregister.vic.gov.au/.
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Media Contact: Sheree Fitzgerald
Telephone: 03 5833 5754