Goulburn-Murray Water has welcomed this week's announcement by Premier Steve Bracks that the State Government will provide assistance to irrigators experiencing severe drought.
As part of its $114 million package, the State Government will provide a rebate of up to $5,000 on the fixed charges of the rural water bills for irrigators whose seasonal water allocation was less than 50 per cent.
Those irrigators whose fixed charges are more than $5,000 will be able to defer the remainder of the payment for up to five years interest-free.
Chairperson Don Cummins said this assistance would benefit irrigators on the Goulburn, Campaspe, Loddon and Bullarook systems, who are battling the worst drought on record.
"I am very pleased that this assistance package has been announced, as it will go some way to helping our many customers struggling with the driest conditions on record," Mr Cummins said.
"This rebate will mean that more than 75% of customers suffering low allocations will have their fixed charges paid in full.
"Goulburn-Murray Water has been working very closely with the Government on this issue, as we are all too aware of the difficulties our customers are facing in this drought.
"This is an exceptional payment for an exceptional set of circumstances and a pleasing sign of confidence in the irrigation industry by the Government."
The assistance package comes on top of the $4.3 million in government assistance, announced last month, to meet the costs of pumping water from Waranga Basin, which underwrites approximately 7% of the current 23% seasonal allocation on the Goulburn system.
Goulburn-Murray Water is now working through the implementation details of the drought assistance package, including eligibility.
Further details will be provided to customers via a newsletter and the web site shortly.