The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water announced a two per cent increase to NSW Murray general security entitlements on October 1, lifting allocations for the 2026-27 water year to 30 per cent.
At that time, NSW Murray account balances stood at 55 per cent, equivalent to 926GL, while Lower Darling allocations remained unchanged at 30 per cent.
With the Murray allocation reaching 30 per cent, Murray Irrigation Limited noted any future resource improvements would be set aside to repay the Barmah-Millewa Allowance (BMA), which had an outstanding balance of 207GL on September 30.
In its latest water allocation statement on October 15, the department confirmed there had been no further increase to general security allocations in either the NSW Murray or Lower Darling systems.
The department said NSW Murray resources had continued to improve following recent events, contributing 128GL towards repayment of the BMA.
Despite the improved Murray resources, conditions in the Lower Darling continue to tighten.
The Menindee Lakes System fell below 480GL on October 5, meaning the remaining water stored in the Lower Darling is no longer available to support Murray River system operations.
The department also confirmed the Lower Darling Regulated River remains in Drought Stage 2, classified as emerging drought.
The next NSW Murray and Lower Darling water allocation statement is due to be released on November 2.
