Allocations Remain At Zero Despite Recent Rain

Determination Data

Seasonal determinations for northern Victoria regulated river systems.

Further Information

Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW), Resource Manager for northern Victorian water systems, today announced all systems remain unchanged at zero allocation.

Graeme Hannan, Resource Manager with G-MW, said rainfall recorded across northern Victoria during July had been helpful, but much more inflow was needed to provide allocations. "Several catchments have had good rainfall, and inflows to storages have increased but remain well below average. The low reserves at the end of the 2008/09 season and poor inflows during May and June mean there are still significant shortfalls to be overcome before allocations can be made."

The rainfall has had a positive impact in the Murray system. "Resources improvements generated by the recent rains have allowed the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to allocate each State a volume of water equivalent to 100% of the carryover in each State," said Mr Hannan. "Further improvements will now go towards to removing the contingencies that are in place to protect River Murray flows and operations."

Mr Hannan said that the increased availability of carryover did not mean an allocation for the Murray system was imminent. "Like the other systems in northern Victoria at the moment, we cannot guarantee that all river systems, piped supply systems and the channel systems will operate for the entire season, although the River Murray should flow all year," said Mr Hannan. "Water corporations are developing operating plans for their delivery systems, which provide information for customers about access to their carryover allocation and qualified rights to water."

"At this stage, we cannot confirm that the gravity channel networks will be operational on 15 August 2009," said Mr Hannan. "Any irrigators with early season requirements need to confirm the operating arrangements with their local water corporation."