mmg.com.au

Goulburn-Murray Water is taking a second look at water use licences following the discovery that some irrigators were in danger of running out of water mid-season.

The water corporation has announced it will not cut off the water to irrigators who are in danger of running out this season due to the changes made during unbundling in 2006-07.

Some irrigators have been surprised to discover they were close to running out of water based on the water use limits.

Goulburn-Murray Water managing director Gavin Hanlon said they were working with the DSE to examine the impact of the water use limits and would be extracting information to determine if a review was required.

In the meantime, irrigators would be advised when they were nearing their limits and encouraged to talk to Goulburn-Murray Water staff.

As part of the unbundling process during the 2006-07 season, Water-Use Licences were introduced which include limits on the amount of water that can be applied to land covered by the licence.

Mr Hanlon said water usage this year had increased, with customers having access to high water allocations and carry-over.

‘‘In some cases this has resulted in customers reaching or being close to their Annual Use Limit for the first time since they were implemented,’’ Mr Hanlon said.

He said no immediate action was required by customers to continue irrigating this season if they were in this situation.

‘‘G-MW recognises farming practices have changed significantly as a result of the drought and new technology.

‘‘G-MW will work with customers to ensure that their Annual Use Limits reflect these changes for future irrigation seasons.’’

If customers want to discuss or clarify their Annual Use Limit they are encouraged to phone G-MW’s land transactions team on 58263242.