All northern Victorian irrigation systems have 100 per cent high-reliability water shares available as of September 1. This is the earliest they have reached full allocation in 25 years.
The Goulburn, Loddon, Campaspe and Broken systems all increased to 100 per cent HRWS. The Victorian Murray system seasonal determination remains at 100 per cent HRWS.
Northern Victoria Resource Manager Mark Bailey said the last time all systems had 100 per cent HRWS (or its equivalent) available at the start of September was in 1997-’98.
“All northern Victorian systems now have at least 100 per cent HRWS available. It follows strong streamflow responses to rainfall during August,” Dr Bailey said.
“The response in the Goulburn catchment above Lake Eildon prompted Goulburn-Murray Water to release water in late August. That will slow the rate of rise in storage.
“About seven gigalitres will be deducted from Goulburn spillable water accounts with today’s announcement.
“That’s about two per cent of the current volumes in the spillable water accounts.
“The deduction from Murray spillable water accounts due to continuing releases to manage Lake Hume levels during August will be confirmed in the September 15 seasonal determination update.
“As releases to manage Lake Hume and Lake Eildon volumes will carry on, Murray and Goulburn system entitlement holders should expect further deductions from spillable water accounts.”
Irrigation systems healthy
Bailey said with the seasonal determinations at 100 per cent and a wet season predicted, there would now be “keen interest” in the potential for low-reliability water share allocations.
About 1040 Gl was needed in the Murray system and 500 Gl in the Goulburn system before LRWS was allocated in these systems.
“These volumes will reduce when system operating requirements and demands are met without releasing water from storage and deductions occur from spillable water accounts,” he said.
Dr Bailey said further rainfall was likely, with longer-term predictions favouring wetter conditions.
“The latest Bureau of Meteorology forecast suggests above-average rainfall will continue through to December.”
As HRWS seasonal determinations were now 100 per cent, updates would now occur monthly on the 15th or the next business day.
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