Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) completed its annual start of season water share ballot today. The ballot has determined the processing order for 858 applications from G-MW's six Irrigation Areas representing more than 130,000 ML of water shares.
G-MW Acting Managing Director Shane McGrath said that the 2011 ballot only included applications affected by the 4% limit on the volume of water that can trade out of an irrigation area in a season.
"This means every one of the 858 applications is vying for space under its Irrigation Area's 4% cap. In terms of volume and number of applications it's one of the largest ballots and reinforces the importance of the ballot in ensuring everyone has equitable access to these trading opportunities," said Mr McGrath.
The ballot was overseen by an independent auditor who confirmed that each application lodged for the ballot was randomly assigned a number in the processing queue with Murray McDonald of G-MW's Central Goulburn Water Service Committee also observing the process.
Mr McDonald said that he appreciated being given the opportunity to view the process and it was pleasing to see that everyone is treated equally.
G-MW will now begin processing the applications in the order determined by the ballot. Applicants and their lodging party will be advised of the approval or otherwise of their application once it is processed.
"We estimate it will take about 8 weeks to complete processing of the 858 applications. To minimise any impact on applications which are not involved in the ballot and not affected by the 4% limit we will continue to process these applications as we receive them and alongside the ballot applications," said Mr McGrath.
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 volume of applications received, we urge customers to wait until early September before calling us to check on the progress of their application," said Mr McGrath.
The number of applications to transfer high-reliability water shares and total volume have increased, but applications to transfer low-reliability water shares are well down on previous years.
"Based on preliminary analysis the volume of the low-reliability water share applications received for this year's ballot will not exceed any of the irrigation areas' 4% limit," said Mr McGrath.
"Application numbers have remained steady over recent years, which is generally due to the ongoing participation of the Commonwealth Government in the water share market as part of the Murray Darling Basin water recovery program," said Mr McGrath.
Last year G-MW received 878 applications for a total of 129,779.5 ML.
Further information about water trading across northern Victoria is available from the Victorian Water Register at http://www.waterregister.vic.gov.au/.
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Media Contact: Alice Milner
Telephone: 03 5833 5706