Operational Update - 24 April 2024

Transition to Winter Operations

This Operational Update provides details about the transition from Regular Operation to Winter Operations, as outlined in the Season Operating Plan. 

During the Winter Operations period, our aim is to maximise your access to water ordering while accomplishing the winter maintenance program on time and on budget. 

Order cutoff date and notice period 

Customers are requested to place orders by Wednesday 1 May for water delivery in May or June. This will assist us to fit with your irrigation plans as best as possible. 

The current notice period for water orders is up to one day. During the transition to winter operations, a four-day notice period for orders may be required. 

We will send you an SMS to let you know if there is any change to your outlet as per our normal practice. 

Water Delivery

The Mulwala Canal (Operational Area 1) will be closed this year as it will be drained for scheduled maintenance. 

WaterNSW has advised it plans to lower the Stevens Weir pool during winter for approximately four to five weeks. Outside of this period, Wakool customers may have access to irrigation water during Winter Operations.

Please provide us with as much notice as possible of your irrigation plans during May and June so we can align water deliveries with the timing of WaterNSW’s maintenance. WaterNSW will accommodate our demand where possible. 

Guaranteed Dates 

Murray Irrigation expects to release the guaranteed delivery dates by the first week of May.

While we aim to maximise your access to water delivery during this period, after the guaranteed delivery date, access to water delivery, including stock and domestic water, is opportunistic and cannot be guaranteed. 

Preparation for Winter Operations 

The Winter Operations period occurs each year during May to August, when Murray Irrigation operates the channel system to allow winter maintenance work. 

During the transition to Winter Operations, you can help us prepare and assist us by:

• placing your orders as early as possible, 
• letting us know if you expect to irrigate in May or June, even if you are not certain, as orders can be altered or cancelled,
• filling dams for your stock and domestic needs over winter, and
• being aware that we may require four days’ notice for new order starts. 

In preparation for the winter maintenance, you will see an increase in vehicle and heavy machinery on and around your landholding, our channels, and bridges. This can include, material delivery, grading of tracks and building silt traps, as an example.

Safety is our main priority, please be vigilant with the increased activity on roads and channels.

Stock & Domestic reminder – fill dams now

Water may not be available over winter for stock and domestic supplies because:

1. you are in an area scheduled for maintenance, or 
2. levels in your channel section may not be high enough to allow water delivery. 

Please fill dams now to ensure you have adequate water supplies through until mid-August. 

Other works during winter 

Throughout the period of Winter Operations, urgent repairs will also need to be undertaken in areas not scheduled for maintenance. 

Our normal process will be followed for other works, with customers notified about two weeks before works commence to coordinate the activity.

Winter Operations explainer

You can read our Frequently Asked Questions if you’re unsure what Operational Areas or Guaranteed Dates mean. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Winter Operations, please contact Customer Operations on 1300 138 265 from 6.30am until 6.30pm, 7 days a week, or email us at customersupport@murrayirrigation.com.au.