CONTINUED improvements in Murray-Darling Basin storages are expected to see Riverland irrigators and growers reach full allocations for the 2020/21 water year “before the start” of summer.
The Department of Environment and Water (DEW) on Monday announced an opening water allocation of 40 per cent for SA Murray irrigators, rising from the previous eight per cent projection released in May.
Central Irrigation Trust chief executive officer Gavin McMahon said current rainfall and forecasted weather conditions meant it was unsurprising to see a large jump in the allocation figure.
“We’ve been expecting for the year to pan out in the way it has,” Mr McMahon said.
“The catchments have been wet for a long time and the rainfall that’s been going across is all running in.
“It’s not unexpected for us and the really good news, which we’ve said all along, is they’re predicting we’ll get to 100 per cent before September most likely, so I think that makes it easier for everybody to plan.”
Minister for Water David Speirs said allocations were likely to reach 100 per cent by November, even under an “extreme dry scenario” during the next six months.
“In the last few months, we’ve seen the projected minimum opening allocation increase from two to 40 per cent and this is good news for irrigators and river communities,” Mr Speirs said.
“This recent improvement as well as future outlooks are positive signs for South Australian River Murray water users, with a strong chance irrigators will receive their full water entitlement in time for summer and as we move into the next growing season.”
Allocations for the previous water year began at 26 per cent in June 2019, before increasing to 100 per cent on November 15.
DEW River Murray water delivery manager Jarrod Eaton advised Riverland irrigators a “high likelihood” of further allocation increases above 80 per cent would begin to affect private carryover.
“Water users will also need to have regard to the 100 per cent limit on their combined allocations and carryover against entitlement, when considering any private carryover strategy for the 2020/21 water year,” Mr Eaton said.
Mr McMahon said changes to carryover regulations and lower water prices gave Riverland irrigators and growers more freedom in making vital business decisions.
“At this time last year it was also quite dry, so this season is definitely panning out very differently,” Mr McMahon said.
“Right now people are making decisions about whether they park water, carry water over, or cash it in. With the position we’re in now, it makes it a lot easier to make those decisions.
“That’s reflected in water prices as well. Water prices have come down substantially since the height of the irrigation season and that offers people a lot more options.
“They can lease water if they don’t own entitlement, or they can carry it over and buy forwards.
“Those products are much more affordable now then they were last year.”
Allocation updates – the next of which will be provided on Wednesday, July 1 – are now set to be given by DEW every two weeks while the figure remains below 100 per cent.