Murray Irrigation announced on Thursday it would be able to provide some much-needed relief to its shareholders, generated through operational efficiencies using the company’s modernised irrigation infrastructure.
Chair Phil Snowden said the board was mindful of the impacts that ongoing zero general security allocation and dry conditions are having on customers and will continue to support them during this challenging time.
‘‘People in our region are doing it tough — the lack of water impacts everyone, not just farmers, and our board is doing everything it can to provide some respite,” he said.
‘‘This resource distribution will provide customers with water at a time when general security allocation remains at zero.
‘‘As a farmer myself, I know the difference that every drop makes.’’
Ricegrowers Association of Australia president Rob Massina said while the resource distribution may not impact too much on the number of farmers growing rice this season, he said it will offer ‘‘some comfort’’ for those who have committed to a crop this year.
‘‘There are some late varieties which could be sown now, but I don’t think two per cent will be enough to encourage too many more to start growing,’’ Mr Massina said.
‘‘I know most of the rice this year is being grown on bore water, and most of it in the Murrumbidgee district as opposed to the Murray.
‘‘The decision to grow would have been made a few months ago, but this resource distribution will assist rice production at a time when SunRice has come out with historically high prices.
‘‘It will also assist dairy farmers, and some may potentially put it away for autumn water during lambing.’’
Murray Irrigation CEO Phil Endley said efficiencies through upgraded infrastructure and a modified operating plan, coupled with a recent increase in NSW Murray Valley resources, had made the decision possible.
‘‘The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Water) recently announced an increase in the allocation of conveyance water which has given us greater certainty on which we can make business decisions.
‘‘We’ve also been able to achieve water savings by operating our system differently, and through efficiencies gained from the recent overhaul of our distribution network.
‘‘I’m pleased that customers are seeing the benefits of this,’’ he said.
The resource distribution is the third release of water made by Murray Irrigation in two months, with 70GL released in September through its Allocation Advance and Sustainability Product.
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