Water delivery services for most customers will close at 8am on Thursday 28 May 2015.  Any final water orders for the season need to be placed via Easywater by 10am on Tuesday 26 May, or earlier if possible, to assist with irrigation forecasting and planning.

Due to Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Program (PIIOP) modernisation works, water delivery services for customers on the Mirrool Creek Branch Canal and laterals, downstream from Lateral 31 on Poletta Road through to Kidman Way at Hanwood, will close a few days earlier, at 8am on Monday 25 May 2015. Any final water orders must be placed by 10am on Saturday 23 May.

The irrigation channels will be drained from the closure of water delivery services to minimise wastage and to assist maintenance programs. 

MI customers with stock and that use the channel as a boundary fence are notified that channels can be drained remotely and at any time after 25 May 2015. This may pose an additional hazard to stock, therefore, removal of stock from channel banks is recommended.  MI customers should contact their division operator if there are any queries.

The supply works closure period allows MI to undertake scheduled maintenance works that are unable to be achieved while the channels are in operation.

“This year our capital works program includes modernisation works in Hanwood, major maintenance on urban channels and a range of minor upgrades and repairs,” Matt Thorpe, MI’s Operations Executive, said.

“It is important that customers plan to be self-sufficient with their water needs during the supply works closure period. 

“We take this opportunity to thank customers for their cooperation.”

A winter watering period will be available for eligible customers in June.  For eligible Hanwood and Yoogali customers (downstream of Lateral 31 off the Mirrool Creek Branch Canal), this period will be from 8am Thursday 25 June. Any orders must be placed by 10am on Tuesday 23 June. 

For eligible customers in other areas, the winter watering period would be available from 8am Wednesday 17 June and orders must be placed by 10am Monday 15 June.

Mr Thorpe said MI is planning its winter works and maintenance program to enable the 2015/16 season to commence in early August.

“This timing will be confirmed mid-winter subject to works progress, rainfall and customer feedback,” Mr Thorpe said.

Any customers with special watering needs, or who are uncertain about their eligibility for winter watering, should contact MI to discuss their individual situation.