However, the July 1 announcement triggered Murray Irrigation’s ‘WaterWell’ bundle of products, which saw an allocation advance of five per cent offered late last week.
Murray Irrigation CEO Philip Endley said it gives farmers in the company's footprint access to water they would not normally receive this early in the season.
It gives eligible customers up to five per cent of their water allocation, regardless of state mandated water allocations.
“The company recognises the importance of providing early season water which helps local farmers plan their seasonal crop,” Mr Endley said.
“Last week’s announcement by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Water of yet another zero general security allocation, on the first day of the season, makes it hard for farmers to plan their approach to the season.
“We’re conscious of this and always try to provide a level certainty for our shareholding farmers when they make these important business decisions that ultimately, don’t just support their families, but the regional communities in which they live.“We are able to provide this water by leveraging our bulk water licence and running our system in the most efficient way possible. This allows us to give the water savings generated back to our customers.”
The Allocation Advance is part of Murray Irrigation’s ‘WaterWell’ bundle of products, that alongside the Water Users Credit and Sustainability Product, aims to make available up to 100GL to customers at the start of the irrigation season to give farmers increased certainty about the season.
“It’s vital that we continue to work with customers to overcome the natural and man-made challenges faced by regional farming communities whose economic sustainability relies almost entirely on our rain and rivers,” Mr Endley said.
19°C