Deniboota Canal Weed Treatment and Winter Operations

Deniboota Canal Weed Treatment and Winter Operations

This update provides important information regarding planned weed treatment works in the Deniboota Channel and the impacts to water delivery during the winter period.

Over the past two years, unprecedented weed growth in the Deniboota Channel system has reduced channel capacity and is increasingly impacting flows and water delivery to customers.

Following successful aquatic weed chemical trials in other parts of the Murray Irrigation system, the Company is extending the trial to undertake targeted chemical treatment in the Deniboota channel during the Winter Works period to improve channel capacity and delivery performance ahead of the 2026/27 irrigation season.

These trials are assisting Murray Irrigation to add another tool to our aquatic weed management toolbox and in time, it is hoped they will gradually help reduce the demand for mechanical weed removal.

Timing of Works

Weed treatment works will commence from 15 May 2026, aligned with the transition into Winter Operations.

The program will include:

• Treatment of in-channel weed growth using a controlled chemical application via drone.
• Draining of sections of the system to enable direct spraying of exposed weeds.

A 14-day withholding period will apply following treatment, during which time the system will be locked.

Water Availability – Deniboota Main Channel

During the 14 day withholding period:

• Water will not be available to order
• Water use is not permitted for domestic or irrigation purposes
• The system will be progressively drawn down and drained.

Once drained, water delivery will not be available for the remainder of the Winter Operations.

Access to Water in Spur Channels

Prior to locking the Deniboota system for treatment, spur channels will be topped up then isolated. Any remaining water in spurs may be available to order, however this supply is not guaranteed and is subject to water available in the channel. Spur channels will be replenished on commencement of the new irrigation season.

We strongly recommend filling dams now to ensure adequate supply of stock and domestic water through to mid August as no replenishment will occur during this period.

What You Need to Do

Customers are asked to prepare for these works by:

• Ensuring stock and domestic water supplies are secured (e.g. filling tanks or dams)
• Turning off pumps and closing gate valves

Questions?

If you have any questions or require assistance preparing for these works, please contact Customer Experience:

1300 138 265 (6:30am – 6:30pm, 7 days)
customersupport@murrayirrigation.com.au