Murrumbidgee Irrigation ease up on water shutdown

Citrus growers have had a broadly positive response to contingencies being put in place after MI announced draining of the main canal from 26 May and until August.

MI General Manager, Operations Alan Shea said, “given the extent of the shutdown we have been working with local councils for some time to ensure town water Supply needs can be met.”

“With town water supply secure we are now working with customer and commodity group stakeholders to identify opportunities to hold up water for critical winter needs and minimise shutdown times in different parts of the network.”

Meetings have been held with the Griffith and Leeton Citrus associations, recognising the particular winter water needs of the evergreen crop and associated frost risk. 

John Sergi, Griffith and District Citrus Growers Inc. president, advised citrus growers to ensure that they fill their water profile before the end of May and top up in the available windows.

“For guidance in managing your frost and water needs over this period we encourage you to contact your local association,” Mr Sergi said.

Secretary Vito Mancini was cautiously optomistic. 

“Even though MI has worked hard to minimise impacts, it’s always difficult to plan around our sometimes unforgiving climate,” he said. Weather forecasts point to a dry winter. 

Graham Minchin, President of the Leeton Citrus Growers Inc., said that while the extended shutdown was not ideal, he appreciated MI working with them to ensure their critical water needs were managed.

“We understand the need to undertake these works now, and the future benefits to growers,” he said.

Mr Shea said that MI’s main objectives was to provide opportunities for critical water needs and re-opening the season on-time.

Regular updates are being provided on the MI website.