Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) in New South Wales has announced the starting date for the 2016/17 irrigation season as 29 August 2016, following a delay in the commencement of the season.
MI CEO Brett Jones said that taking into consideration the recent wet weather, and following consultation with customers and stakeholder groups, the company took the opportunity to hold off on the commencement date for the 2016/17 irrigation season, which was originally scheduled for early August 2016.
“We are committed to delivering value to our customers, and the additional time to complete winter works will assist us to provide them with a higher level of service during the warmer months ahead,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Jones said MI was also focused on capturing opportunities that benefit customers, like the current supplementary water event, which started on 8 June 2016.
“Pleasingly, we have not missed a day, or rejected a water order, since the start of the current supplementary water event,” Mr Jones said.
While the demand for irrigation water is currently low due to recent wet weather, MI welcomed the increases to general security (GS) annual allocations by Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Water.
These increases will allow irrigators to plan their water requirements for the new irrigation season.
Mr Jones thanked all customers for their cooperation during the winter works period.
“With the upcoming commencement of the irrigation season, we look forward to working together again with our customers in what we hope is a prosperous season for everyone,” Mr Jones said.
Customers are encouraged to give as much notice as possible when placing their water orders.
Mr Jones said there may be minor delays in the commencement of water delivery services to some parts of the system where works are being completed.
The next DPI Water annual allocation announcement is scheduled to be made on Thursday 1 September 2016.
