A SENIOR industry figure says only a “worst-case scenario” would prevent Riverland growers and irrigators from reaching full water allocations in 2021/22.
The Department of Environment and Water (DEW) this week released an updated minimum water allocation of 94 per cent for SA River Murray irrigators, improving upon the 84 per cent opening figure provided last month.
DEW manager of water delivery Chrissie Bloss said the minimum amount of water delivered to South Australia in 2021/22 would be 1460 GL.
“Projections show that in every scenario other than the worst-case, the opening allocation on 1 July 2021 is likely to be 100 per cent,” Ms Bloss said.
“As mentioned last month, given this strong starting position and the forecast climate outlook, there is a very high likelihood allocations will reach 100 per cent by the start of the 2021-22 water year.
“It is important to remember that as the minimum opening allocation announced on 15 April 2021 was greater than 50 per cent, the carryover trigger for 2021-22 has not been met.
“This means that any water volumes rolled over from a previous year will no longer be available as outlined in the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray prescribed watercourse.”
Minimum water allocations for SA River Murray irrigators stood at 8 per cent at this time last year. Further information regarding SA water allocations can be found by visiting the DEW website (www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/river-murray/water-allocation).