MEDIA RELEASE

24th December 2009

MRFF Sets it Straight on Sharing Arrangements

Macquarie River Food & Fibre (MRFF) is disappointed that despite nearly two decades of water reform and the current Water Sharing Plan for the Macquarie system having been set for the past five years, there is still widespread misunderstanding about water sharing arrangements and the purpose of regulated water storages, such as Burrendong Dam.

The comments come in response to suggestions made by some recreational users of Burrendong Dam in the state?s Central West that poor allocation decisions have contributed to "dangerously low" dam levels.

MRFF suggests that the facts are very clear and that water sharing and allocation arrangements are based on legislated Water Sharing Plans.

"For those interested in the detail, the sharing arrangements are outlined in the Water Sharing Plan for the Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated River Sources", says MRFF Executive Officer, Susan Madden. "It would be really helpful if people who felt the need to publicly comment on the allocation system actually made themselves aware of these details."

"In summary, water is allocated in the first instance to provide for the needs of the riverine environment, domestic and stock rights, and local water utilities. Next priority is a relatively low entitlement of High Security then dependent on annual conditions, water may be allocated to General Security entitlements.

"High Security water use may include industrial purposes as well as some irrigation for crops that require a more reliable supply, such as permanent tree plantings. In all but extreme cases, High Security will receive access to 100% of their entitlement.

"We have seen restrictions to High Security water use in the past and it is possible that we may see restrictions again in the future. But it is worth noting that there is a clear and transparent process by which these decisions are made. In fact, State Water should be commended for their efforts in ensuring efficient delivery of water to the higher priority water use during the current drought.

"However, the bulk of irrigation in the Macquarie Valley varies on an annual basis in line with General Security allocations. Currently no water has been allocated to General Security accounts for the 2009/10 water year, other than where careful and cautious water use has enabled allocation from previous years to be carried over to the current season.

"Recreational water users are not recognised directly in the current water sharing arrangements, but nor are they required to contribute to the capital and operational costs of the regulated Macquarie system, which includes Burrendong Dam. General Security irrigators on the other hand, will contribute around $2 Million in fixed charges to State Water in 2009/10 despite having not yet received any allocation.

"But like the local fishing community, we are all concerned about the current low levels of water availability. I would think that we are all looking forward to increased rainfall and inflows to Burrendong Dam, along with the resultant increase in regional prosperity."

ENDS

Contacts:
Chairman, Tony Wass, 0428 967 820
Executive Officer, Susan Madden, 0400 849 577