Goulburn-Murray Water Updates Seasonal Allocations and Outlooks

Determination Data

Seasonal determinations for northern Victoria regulated river systems.

Further Information

The seasonal allocations in all regulated water systems in northern Victoria remained at 0% as Goulburn‑Murray Water (G-MW) announced its latest update today.

G-MW Managing Director David Stewart said, "There hasn't been much rain since the last allocation update was announced. Inflows to storages during July have been well below average, although the shortfall to our operating requirements is reducing."

"There are sufficient resources in all systems to meet human needs," said Mr Stewart. "However, strong inflows during August and spring are needed to meet system operating requirements across northern Victoria."

"Our planning shows domestic and stock water will be available in the Goulburn system throughout the year, and delivery of some carryover should be possible," added Mr Stewart. "At this stage, the Murray system is not as favourable and the channel operations may have to be wound back later in the year if inflows do not occur. A repeat of the lowest ever seasonal inflows, as experienced in 2006/07, would meet all of our operating needs."

Access to Carryover

"G-MW's operations personnel are updating plans to maximise water availability across the delivery systems. If there is some ability to deliver carryover within our limited water budgets, we will meet customers' requirements," said Mr Stewart.

At present, only customers diverting directly from the Goulburn and Murray rivers downstream of G-MW storages can access their carryover.

Entitlement holders who did not use their full allocation last season have had their carryover automatically calculated and credited to their allocation bank accounts in accordance with the carryover rules. All entitlement holders will soon receive in the mail a complete summary of their water use, allocations and trade during 2007/08 from the Victorian Water Register.

Northern Victorian irrigation customers carried over approximately 251,000 megalitres (ML) into 2008/09. Another 21,000 ML was carried over by urban water corporations and the holders of environmental entitlements. The 166,000 ML of irrigation allocation carried over in the Murray system is equivalent to approximately 14% of high-reliability water shares, and the irrigation carryover volume of 96,000 ML in the Goulburn system is equivalent to around 10% of high‑reliability water shares.

Irrigation Season and Outlooks

"Channel networks will begin operating when there is strong demand for water," said Mr Stewart. "Operations will be delayed for as long as possible to save water."

The outlooks for seasonal allocations in the Murray and Goulburn water systems are presented below, and are based on current inflow conditions and monthly inflow records from seasons with dry winter conditions.

The following terminology is used in the tables:

            ‘Wet'               - Inflow volumes that have 1 chance in 10 of being exceeded

            ‘Average'         - Inflow volumes that have 5 chances in 10 of being exceeded

            ‘Dry'                - Inflow volumes that have 9 chances in 10 of being exceeded

Murray System (% of High-Reliability Water Share at Date Shown)

Goulburn System (% of High-Reliability Water Share at Date Shown)

A repeat of 2007/08 inflow conditions is expected to produce a Murray seasonal allocation of 32% of high‑reliability water shares and a 33% allocation in the Goulburn system.

G-MW has arranged a meeting with representatives from water services committees and the irrigation industry on 7 August 2008 to discuss responses to the current water resource position and the plans for the rest of the 2008/09 water year. Further meetings will occur regularly during the year to keep representatives fully informed.

Customers will receive newsletters describing operations planning and other issues in mid-August, and are urged to watch for information bulletins in local media and on the G-MW website, http://www.g-mwater.com.au/.

Qualification of Rights

The Minister for Water has qualified rights to water to allow supplies for essential needs under the extreme conditions currently affecting northern Victorian water systems. Further details of the qualifications are available from G-MW's website, newsletters and advertisements in local media.

The seasonal allocations for G-MW customers on Friday 1 August 2008 are:

The next allocation announcement and seasonal outlook will be issued on Friday 15 August 2008.

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Media Contact:            Graeme Hannan

Position:                      Executive Manager Planning and Environment

Telephone:                  (03) 5833 5498