15 September 2005 Allocation Announcement

Goulburn-Murray Water today announced the 15 September water allocation update for the 2005/06 irrigation season.

Water allocations have been increased in the Goulburn, Loddon and Campaspe systems as a result of inflows to storages in early September. 

The early September inflows to the upper Murray storages have increased the volume of water reserved in the Murray system storages for next season's Murray system allocations, and there is a more favourable outlook for a sales allocation this season. 

In the Murray system the allocation remains at 100% of Water Right and Licensed Volume.

In the Goulburn system, the allocation has increased to 74% of Water Right and Licensed Volume.

In the Campaspe system, an allocation of 2% of Water Right and Licensed Volume has been announced and any inflows to Lake Eppalock in the coming weeks will improve the water allocation now that there is enough water to meet system losses and domestic and stock requirements.

In the Loddon system, the allocation has increased to 54% of Licensed Volume.

In the Broken system, the allocation remains at the maximum 170% of Licensed Volume.

In the Bullarook Creek system, the allocation remains at 148% of Licensed Volume.

Seasonally adjusted chances of receiving a 100% allocation by 15 February 2006 are as follows:

•           Goulburn                     greater than 9 chances in 10

•           Campaspe                  1 chance in 10

•           Loddon                        5 chances in 10

For the Campaspe system there is an even chance (5 chances in 10), of receiving an allocation of 31% by 15 February 2006

The chances of receiving any sales allocation for Water Rights by 15 February 2006 are as follows:

•           Goulburn                     less than 1 chance in 10

•           Murray                          approximately 4 to 5 chances in 10

•           Campaspe                  less than 1 chance in 10

•           Loddon                        less than 1 chance in 10

At the beginning of September there were 3 chances in 10 a sales allocation in the Murray system by February 2006.  The outlook is likely to have improved and will be confirmed at the next allocation review on 3 October 2005 when the end of September assessment of the interstate water sharing arrangements is complete.

The weather conditions remain favourable for farm water requirements. Goulburn-Murray Water will delay filling the distribution channels while conditions allow and thereby reduce system losses and increase water available for allocation.  Customers who will require a supply should contact their area office or leave a message on Waterline, with as much notice as possible.

The next allocation announcement is scheduled for Monday 3 October 2005 .

The seasonal allocations for Goulburn-Murray Water irrigators at 15 September 2005 are: