Increase in Northern Victorian Seasonal Allocations

Determination Data

Seasonal determinations for northern Victoria regulated river systems.

Further Information

The Resource Manager for northern Victorian regulated water systems today updated the seasonal allocations for 2011/12.

The seasonal allocation in the Murray system increased by 15% of high-reliability water shares (HRWS) to be 50% HRWS. The seasonal allocation in the Goulburn and Loddon systems is now 78% HRWS, which is an increase of 9% HRWS. The Broken system seasonal allocation increased by 9% HRWS to be 34% HRWS. The seasonal allocation in the Campaspe system is 100% HRWS and 54% of low-reliability water shares (LRWS), an increase of 2% LRWS.

The Bullarook system seasonal allocation remains unchanged at 100% HRWS and 100% LRWS.

“The allocation increases announced today have come from continuing inflows from the northern Victorian catchments,” said Graeme Hannan, Resource Manager. “The rain received over the past fortnight has maintained inflows to the major storages, although the warm weather did result in some drying of the catchment prior to rain in the last few days.”

“Since 1 August, releases above the minimum requirements have been made from Lake Eildon under the target filling arrangement and from Lake Eppalock. Approximately 26,000 megalitres (ML) has been released from Lake Eildon since 1 August and 3,000 ML from Goulburn-Murray Water’s share of Lake Eppalock. Approximately 5% has been debited from Goulburn spillable water accounts, the Goulburn inter-valley trade account, and Living Murray environmental entitlements. The corresponding Campaspe accounts have been debited by approximately 6%,” said Mr Hannan.

Volumes of Goulburn Spill for the period 1 August 2011 to 15 August 2011

Volumes of Campaspe Spill for the period 1 August 2011 to 15 August 2011

Outlook for 2011/12 Seasonal Allocations
The outlooks for 2011/12 allocations are based on observed inflows in seasons following similar early winter inflows.

The following terminology is used in the outlook 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 (Allocation against high-reliability water shares)

Even under dry conditions, the allocations in the Broken, Goulburn and Loddon systems are expected to reach 100% HRWS during spring.

Allocations against low-reliability water shares in the Murray, Goulburn and Loddon systems will depend on prevailing weather conditions. An allocation of low-reliability water shares in the Broken system is expected, with the timing dependent on seasonal conditions.

The Campaspe system is likely to have a 100% allocation of low-reliability water shares this season.

Customers participating in the water trading market are reminded that the Murray-Darling Basin Authority has relaxed the rule controlling allocation trade from upstream of the Barmah Choke to downstream users. The ability to trade across the Barmah Choke will be regularly reviewed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the relaxation may be lifted at any time during the season.