G-MW has launched an updated drought response section on its website to provide irrigators, industry and the wider community with latest information regarding water resources, access and delivery and trading issues. G-MW's other communication initiatives including its customer newsletters, public presentations, media releases and advertisements can also be accessed from the site, with the page located in the customer services section of G-MW's website.
According to G-MW acting Managing Director, Ian Moorhouse, the webpage has been redeveloped to reflect the challenging environment and dynamic arrangements in place this season. The site includes all of G-MW's local operating plans that will guide local system operations and run the systems as efficiently as possible. G-MW operational teams have developed the plans to reflect local customers' needs and knowledge.
"On the 1st and 15th of each month we revise system allocations, and our operational teams then update their local area operating plans so its an extremely dynamic environment. To access the right information for your area we encourage customers and members of the community to contact their G-MW office or visit our website," said Mr Moorhouse.
G-MW is also encouraging farm advisers, water brokers and other professional advisers to visit the site to keep up to date on the latest developments.
"It's vital that our customers base their season planning on accurate and current information, especially rules to do with accessing carryover and allocation, so we encourage anyone advising customers to ensure they are also up to date," said Mr Moorhouse.
An important new feature of the site is a table showing the amount of water allocated but not yet delivered by system.
"Comparing dam levels with the same time last year doesn't give an accurate indication of available water because the volume in store includes water carried over from last season. For example allocations on the Murray system are only 6% but carryover plus current season allocations means there is the equivalent of 18% of HRWS available for use or trade at this stage of the season. On the Broken the volume is equivalent to 25% of HRWS and on the Goulburn its 13%," said Mr Moorhouse.
G-MW's latest customer newsletters will arrive with customers next week and will include the season outlook announced on 15 September. The newsletters will be available from the website.
"Our communications program includes newsletters, advertisements in local media and media releases but the most current and accurate information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from our website," said Mr Moorhouse
G-MW's website also includes information about
- § accessing allocation and carryover;
- § available resources and commitments for the Murray and Goulburn systems as at the last allocation update;
- § the Minister for Water's Qualification of Rights that currently applies in all systems,
- § groundwater allocations,
- § management of unregulated systems,
as well as links and contact details for other support services.
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Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: 03 5833 5776 or 0412 183 792