Talking Water - Tuesday 5 May 2026
This week's contents
Water Policy Coordinator update
- Basin Plan Review submissions
Operations
- 2026 Winter Operations - Guaranteed dates released
- Talking Water Data
Business
- Proposed fee restructure approved
- Community in Focus feature
Industry
- WaterNSW advice - Wakool system low and cease to flow conditions
- Women in Ag Conference
- Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
Water Policy Coordinator update
Basin Plan Review submissions
It's been an interesting and very challenging 12 weeks since consultation on the Basin Plan Review commenced in early February.
These things are always a team effort, and I'd like to thank the following for helping ensure Murray Irrigation has been able to maximise our involvement and influence:
- The Murray Regional Strategy Group (MRSG) and Southern Riverina Irrigators (SRI), especially Shelley Scoullar and Sophie Baldwin. Your local knowledge and policy expertise has been valuable in positioning Murray Irrigation to strongly represent our shareholders and customers.
- Murrumbidgee Irrigation and Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative Limited, especially Michael Turnell and Jenny McLeod. You have helped Murray Irrigation create a strong and impactful voice for Riverina Irrigator Infrastructure Operators (IIOs).
- Murray Irrigation's Board, especially the Chair of the Board's Water Policy Committee, Director Geoff McLeod. I appreciate all the time made available for close policy oversight, and continued strategic guidance, over the full 12 weeks of the Review.
In all, Murray Irrigation either had ownership of, or involvement in, the following four submissions into the Basin Plan Review:
- Read Murray Irrigation's detailed policy submission here.
- Read the submission prepared by the Riverina IIOs, coordinated by Murray Irrigation's Corporate Strategy Manager Henry Delves, here.
- Read the Murray Regional Strategy Group's (MRSG) submission here.
- Read the National Irrigators' Council (NIC) submission here.
Menindee Lakes Review
Alongside the above, the MDBA has also been consulting on a Review of the Menindee Lakes over the past 12 weeks.
Submissions were due last Friday, 1 May.
Murray Irrigation convened an Expert Panel to support our involvement in the Menindee Review, and we extend our thanks to GHD, RMCG, and Access Water Management Pty Ltd for their guidance and advice.
You can read Murray Irrigation's submission here.
IPART review into WaterNSW charges
Finally, IPART is also currently consulting on its draft determination for WaterNSW rural and regional charges, which will commence from 1 July.
RMCG is supporting the Riverina IIOs in preparing a joint submission. Submissions are due next Monday 11 May.
You can find out more here.
We will share the joint IIO IPART submission with you in next week's
Talking Water.
- Linda Christesen
Murray Irrigaton Water Policy Coordinator
Operational Update
2026 Winter Operations
Water delivery guaranteed dates released
Murray Irrigation has now released the guaranteed water delivery dates and water availability for the upcoming Winter Operations period.
You can find these dates in our Operational Update below, which was distributed to customers last Wednesday.
Place your water orders now
Customers are urged to place your water orders in advance for delivery in May or June.
Early ordering helps us understand where delivery demand is located, allowing us to drain channels efficiently and align deliveries with your irrigation plans as best as possible.
Orders placed early can be cancelled if circumstances change, and customers can continue to place orders as needed.
Fill dams and troughs now
Access to replenish stock and domestic water supplies during the Winter Operations period (from 15 May until mid-August) is likely to be limited.
Please ensure dams and stock troughs are filled now to maintain adequate water supplies through to mid‑August.
Water may not be available in channels over Winter because:
1. Your outlet is located in a scheduled Maintenance Area, which will be drained in accordance with the Season Operating Plan, or
2. Channel levels in Non‑Maintenance Areas may not be high enough to allow water delivery.
You can check whether your outlet is in a Maintenance Area via the 'My Outlets' tab on your Customer Portal.
Murray Irrigation's Winter Operations period (May to August) focuses on completing our annual maintenance program on time and within budget, while continuing to provide customers with access to water delivery wherever possible.
For further details, please visit our Winter Operations webpage.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Winter Operations, please contact Customer Experience on 1300 138 265 or email customersupport@murrayirrigation.com.au
Talking Water live data
Live data for Murray Irrigation water delivery, channel flow, Water Exchange temporary trade and DCCEEW water allocations is available on our Talking Water
Data webpage below.
To see the latest data for Murray system storages and rivers, including dam heights, visit the Murray Darling Basin Authority's River data page.
Additional resources
MDBA weekly report
NSW Water allocation statements
Rainfall and evaporation
Barmah Choke trade balance
The information and data provided in Talking Water is for general reference purposes only. We take best endeavours to ensure accuracy.
Business News
Proposed fee restructure approved
As communicated last Friday (1 May 2026), the Murray Irrigation Board has resolved to proceed with the company's proposed fee restructure.
The new fee structure will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
Information about how the Board reached its decision, together with next steps, is available in the below Board Update.
Customers can expect to receive further communication from the Company as we move towards implementing the new fee structure.
Community in Focus - Deniliquin Little Athletics
Deniliquin Little Athletics steps into the spotlight this week in our latest Community in Focus feature.
This spirited sporting group is a recipient of Murray Irrigation's 2025/26 sponsorship program.
Established more than 55 years ago, the club is a pioneer of Little Athletics in NSW.
Find out how it continues to champion the benefits of fun, fitness and participation within our community's youngest - and inspire the joy that comes with 'Being your best'.
Murray Irrigation's annual sponsorship program is made possible through the support of our customers.
Industry News
Wakool system low and cease to flow conditions - WaterNSW
WaterNSW is advising customers and the wider community to expect changes to flow in the Wakool system, including the Wakool River, Yallakool Creek, Colligen Creek and the Niemur River over coming weeks.
Read the full WaterNSW announcement below for more.
Women in Irrigated Ag Conference - Whitton
There are four weeks to go until the Irrigation Research & Extension Committee's (IREC) first ever Women in Irrigated Ag Conference.
When: Wednesday 3 June
Where: Whitton Malt House
Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm
Cost: $50 per person (includes all-day barista coffee, morning tea and lunch)
This year’s event will bring together women from across the Murrumbidgee, Murray and Lachlan Valleys with the aim of increasing knowledge, networking with like-minded women and learning more about important matters in their farming businesses.
Grab your tickets below.
Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced last week (1 May) that there will be no change in allocations to General Security entitlements for the NSW Murray.
The total cumulative allocation to General Security entitlements remains at 22% for the 2025/26 water year.
You can read the full announcement below.
Subscribe to NSW DCCEEW updates by email and download its announcements here.
