IT IS all systems go for the MIA's irrigators, with a big and fruitful season expected across a range of different crops.
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Murrumbidgee Irrigation has finished its winter works program and the region's extensive networks of channels are now filling up in preparation for the season.
The work carried out by the company during winter included the automation of 167 outlets and 141 regulators in Murrami and Griffith.
This was part of stage three of its ongoing automation project.
MI chief executive officer Brett Jones said the MIA's irrigators were benefiting from the automation of this infrastructure.
"The automation works over winter were another significant step taken towards a modern and reliable water supply for the MIA," he said.
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"We are now heading into the final stages of an over decade long, modernisation program, with around 80 per cent of our system now automated."
With irrigators in the area hopeful the weather stays kind and water allocations work in their favour, things are looking up after several tough years recently.
"Last season was a good one off the back of a few lean years for irrigators and, coming into the new water season, there is the anticipation 2021-22 will be even better," Mr Jones said.
"The diversity and quality of the produce from our region, including winter and summer cereals, nuts, fodder, aquaculture, wine grapes, citrus and cotton, is testament to the value of irrigation to not only NSW, but our national economy."
With the pandemic ongoing, coming up with a plan to cover all bases when it comes to COVID has been something MI has also had to address and think about this season.
MI's offices are currently closed to the public in line with the current health orders, but staff remain working.
We are now heading into the final stages of an over decade long, modernisation program, with around 80 per cent of our system now automated.
- Murrumbidgee Irrigation CEO Brett Jones
Crews have been rostering and maintaining the separation they need to ensure the impacts of any potential outbreak would be contained to the smallest number of people.
"Thank you to irrigators and the rest of the community for working with us to ensure we can continue to deliver water in the best way possible," Mr Jones said.
While winter is over, residents will still see MI's teams out and about tidying up work sites and moving into the regular "in-season" works program.
Welcome rain events over the past few months restricted access to some sites, so now it has dried out, the company will be doing some of these maintenance works now while weather permits.
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