Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has opened early irrigation ordering for customers in the Loddon Valley Irrigation Area (LVIA), ahead of the official 2025–26 irrigation season, which begins on 15 August. The move is designed to help assess early demand and determine whether rationing may be required.
Orders for LVIA customers opened on 1 August, two weeks before standard ordering opens for other irrigation regions. This early access is intended to give customers time to review their on-farm needs, assess risk, and prepare for a possible rationing cycle if dry conditions persist into spring.
GMW General Manager Water Delivery Services, Warren Blyth, said the lessons from earlier this year informed the decision to bring forward ordering.
“LVIA customers were rationed from 5 March to 25 April, and while recent rainfall has been helpful, spring is typically a peak period for water use,” Blyth said. “We want to ensure customers have the time and information they need to prepare for the possibility that rationing may be reintroduced.”
To support this planning, GMW is also reminding LVIA customers to review how their delivery share is allocated across service points and consider applying to vary or transfer those shares. Application fees for these changes (Forms 35 and 36) will continue to be waived for customers affected by rationing.
Customers can request pre-populated forms or copies of their Water Register Delivery Share records by emailing deliveryshare@gmwater.com.au.
GMW is also encouraging irrigators to consider sourcing additional water through the Loddon water system, which is listed as Trading Zone 5A. Trading may offer flexibility if conditions tighten later in the season.
Following feedback from customers and the GMID West Customer Committee after the March-April rationing event, GMW committed to improving its communication and providing earlier support to help irrigators make informed decisions.
“The clear message we received was that customers wanted timely updates and more lead time to prepare for restricted allocations,” Blyth said. “We’ve taken that on board and contacted customers directly this week to encourage them to consider their options.”
For more information, LVIA customers can visit the dedicated rationing page at www.gmwater.com.au/rationing, call 1800 013 357, or book a one-on-one appointment through the contact page at www.gmwater.com.au/contact.
