Murray and Goulburn Systems Receive Small Allocation Increases

Determination Data

Seasonal determinations for northern Victoria regulated river systems.

Further Information

Small allocation increases for the Murray and Goulburn systems were announced by Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) today. Seasonal allocations in all other northern Victorian water systems remain at zero.

The seasonal allocation in the Murray system rose by 2% to be 19% of high-reliability water shares (HRWS). The Goulburn system seasonal allocation is 14% HRWS, an increase of 2%. The Goulburn system allocation includes a benefit of 7% HRWS gained by pumping at Waranga Basin.

"The dry conditions have persisted since our last allocation update on 15 October," said G‑MW Managing Director David Stewart. "There has been virtually no rain to generate inflows. The increases in the Murray and Goulburn systems have largely come from very careful system operations and tributary flows being slightly better than our worst case assumptions. Unfortunately, inflows to the Broken, Campaspe, Loddon and Bullarook systems were negligible and allocations remained at zero."

Supply in the Northern Victorian Systems

"G-MW is determined to maximise water availability wherever possible," said Mr Stewart. "The efforts of our staff and the cooperation of our customers to ensure efficient operations are greatly appreciated."

Current constraints on operations in the Murray and Goulburn systems will continue throughout the season because of the record low availability of water resources. The priority for the Broken, Campaspe, Loddon and Bullarook systems is the provision of essential domestic and stock needs to customers.

With the lack of inflows in the Broken system, there are insufficient resources to extend the previously announced end of November period for unrestricted delivery of carryover water. Deliveries at low diversion rates will be permitted after November, but will be strictly rostered.

Delivery of carryover in the Campaspe Irrigation District should be discussed with Rochester-Campaspe operations area staff. Diverters seeking delivery of carryover in the Campaspe and Loddon systems should discuss their requirements with their Diversion Inspector.

"Any water users considering purchase of carryover water in the Broken, Campaspe and Loddon systems need to ensure that they understand the delivery constraints that may occur this season," said Mr Stewart. "These systems are being operated very tightly, and the operational flexibility needed for delivery of carryover may not be available."

Seasonal Allocation Outlook for the Coming Months

G-MW will update seasonal allocation outlooks on 17 November 2008. Conditions have remained consistently dry, and using current inflow trends and historical data as advised previously, the possible range of allocations on 15 February 2009 are:

• 19% to 46% HRWS in the Murray system
• 14% to 38% HRWS in the Goulburn system

Allocations are unlikely in the Broken, Campaspe, Loddon and Bullarook systems this season.