Allocation Updates Announced

Allocation Updates Announced

Goulburn-Murray Water today announced increased allocations in the Goulburn and Murray systems, and extended the irrigation season for Murray gravity irrigation customers by one month. The seasonal allocations in other systems were unchanged.

The Goulburn system seasonal allocation is 29% of high-reliability water shares, an increase of 3% supported by small inflows in the upper catchment.

The seasonal allocation for the Murray system has increased by 2% to 20% of high-reliability water shares. Goulburn-Murray Water has extended the season in Murray gravity irrigation systems to 15 April 2008. The announcement of a 20% allocation means that the trigger for expiry of the qualification of rights in the Murray system has been reached. All water use by customers, regardless of purpose, must now be in accordance with the allocated volume.

There was no change to the seasonal allocation in the Broken system, which remains at 18% of high‑reliability water shares. Broken system customers have continuous access to water ordered for irrigation until 30 November 2007, and then rostered access until the end of the season. The seasonal allocation will be reviewed and possibly reduced if Lake Mokoan is closed by blue-green algae.

The Loddon system seasonal allocation is unchanged at 5% of high-reliability water shares. Customers have rostered access to water during one week in every four weeks.

Campaspe system customers have an unchanged seasonal allocation of 2% of high-reliability water shares. All irrigation orders are being rostered to minimise losses and support efficient operations.

Bullarook Creek customers have access to water for qualified rights for the balance of the season. The availability of a seasonal allocation is unlikely.

Using August to October inflows as a guide to future summer flows, the most optimistic seasonal allocations at 15 February 2008 are approximately:

• 45% of high-reliability water shares in the Goulburn system
• 28% of high-reliability water shares in the Murray system

The seasonal allocations for Goulburn-Murray Water customers on Thursday 1 November 2007 are:

The next allocation announcement will be made on Thursday 15 November 2007.

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Media Contact:       Graeme Hannan

Position:                   Manager Water Resources

Telephone:               03 5833 5498