Seasonal Allocations Announced - 1 September 2005

Goulburn-Murray Water today announced the 1 September water allocation update for the 2005/06 irrigation season.

Inflows resulting from the rainfall of the last few days have increased water availability in all supply systems.   Inflows in the Broken, Goulburn, Loddon and Bullarook systems have directly contributed to allocation increases for this season.

There is still insufficient water in Lake Eppalock to currently enable an allocation for irrigation entitlements in the Campaspe system. However the recent rainfall has substantially reduced the shortfall to an allocation, and there are now greater than 9 chances in 10 that an allocation will be possible this season.

The recent strong inflows to Murray System storages have increased the reserve for next season's Murray System allocations, and increased the chance of enabling a sales allocation this season.  However the most likely outcome remains no sales allocation for the Murray . 

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

In the Goulburn system, the allocation has increased to 63% of Water Right and Licensed Volume.

 In the Loddon system, the allocation has increased to 33% of Licensed Volume.

 In the Broken system, the allocation has increased to the maximum 170% of Licensed Volume.

 In the Bullarook Creek system, the allocation has increased to 148% of Licensed Volume.

 For all systems except the Campaspe system, 100% (or better) of Water Right and Licensed Volume remains the most likely allocation for the coming season. However, there is still a risk of low allocations for some systems, in particular the Campaspe System.

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

•           Goulburn                     8 chances in 10

•           Campaspe                  1 chance in 10

•           Loddon                        5 chances in 10

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                            3 chances in 10

•           Campaspe                  less than 1 chance in 10

•           Loddon                        less than 1 chance in 10

 There is an even chance (5 chances in 10), of receiving the following allocations by 15 February:

 â€¢           Goulburn                     100%

•           Campaspe                    28%

•           Loddon                        100%

  The rain of the last few days will enable most Goulburn-Murray Water customers to again defer their first irrigation for the 2005/06 season.  This will enable Goulburn-Murray Water to delay filling most channels to supply level.  This action reduces losses, which supports later allocation increases.  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 Thursday 15 September 2005 .

 The seasonal allocations for Goulburn-Murray Water irrigators at 1 September 2005 are: