With the August 15 start of the irrigation season fast approaching, the Murray system has reached 100 per cent allocation of high-reliability water shares.
Northern Victoria resource manager Mark Bailey said the Murray system moved from 96 per cent of HRWS to 100 per cent, while there was also improvement in the Goulburn and Loddon systems, which increased from 68 per cent HRWS to 76 per cent.
The Campaspe system moved from 70 per cent HRWS to 77 per cent HRWS. The Broken system increased from 38 per cent HRWS to 46 per cent HRWS.
Dr Bailey said this was the earliest the Murray system seasonal determination had reached 100 per cent in 20 years.
“The Murray system seasonal determination last reached 100 per cent HRWS at the start of August in 2002/03,” Dr Bailey said.
“It comes on the back of reserves established last season and the significant volumes in the Murray storages.”
The gains in the other systems were created by rainfall in the catchment areas and run-off entering the major storages.
Dr Bailey said continued rainfall was needed to increase seasonal determinations, with longer-term predictions favouring wetter conditions.
G-MW is encouraging irrigators to make their preparations early for the season, with channels currently being filled in preparation for early delivery.
G-MW Water Delivery Services general manager Warren Blyth said it was important customers knew what they were entitled to before they ordered.
“It’s crucial you understand what your licences and water entitlements are, so when it comes to ordering you know what you’re legally allowed to,” he said.
“G-MW has a zero-tolerance approach to water theft. Customers must avoid ordering over their entitlements.”
G-MW customers will be able to place their first orders on August 12; from then, they will be able to place orders up to 10 days in advance.
“I encourage our customers to always put their orders in as early as possible, particularly in times of high demand,” Mr Blyth said.
“We are in a really good window at the moment for water availability and cost per megalitre of water,” Mr Blyth said.