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| SA Drought E-News, 15th November 2007 |
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| Rain lifts River Murray allocations |
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Irrigation allocations for 2007–08 will increase to at least 22% from 1 December for South Australian irrigators, based on the latest assessment from the Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC).
The Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald, says allocation increases in SA are now possible because the total volume of water available for diversion across the basin had passed 1500 gigalitres.
The MDBC’s End of October 2007 Water Resource Assessment, released on Monday, reported an increase in available water across the basin, because of three factors:
- Inflows to the River Murray system in October 2007 were higher than previously forecast
- Slightly more water will be released into the system from the Snowy Mountains Scheme
- The commission’s forecast for minimum inflows in November 2007 has improved, based on recent rain across the basin from 10-100 millimetres
"The commission advises that early rainfall in November has improved the minimum inflows expected in November and so far there is sufficient improvement to support an increase in allocations to at least 22% from 1 December, up from 16% currently," Minister Maywald said.
"Total available water will again be reviewed at the beginning of December, once we have the commission’s final assessment of November inflows. If further rainfall and inflows are received in the basin before the end of November, allocations will again be updated.
"While this increase will be welcomed by irrigators it is still not enough to keep all permanent plantings alive and is well below the 60% irrigators received in 2006–07."
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| Latest River Murray update |
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The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation will issue its latest River Murray Water Resources Report (Issue 9) this Friday, 16 November. Key points from this week’s report will include:
- Inflows into the River Murray system from 1 June 2007 to 31 October 2007 were only 1 420 GL, well below the long-term average inflow for this period of about 7 500 GL.
- Rainfall across northeastern Victoria remains below average although some good rainfall (50-100mm) was received in late October and early November 2007.
- About 187 GL flowed into the River Murray system during October 2007.
- Despite the recent rainfall storage volumes still continue to decline and are currently at 2 010 GL (22% capacity).
- Further increases in salinity levels are expected in 2008 if low inflow conditions persist.
The report will also include latest information about water allocations. From Friday afternoon the report will be available in full at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html
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| Don’t run aground - check the water’s sound! |
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Boat operators are encouraged to check water depth at boat ramps before launching in the River Murray and at Lakes Alexandrina and Albert.
DTEI’s Director of Transport Safety Regulation, Brian Hemming says boat operators need to check all aspects of the water especially at times of low river flows.
“People need to check how steep the drop is, whether the river floor is firm, whether it’s slippery, how deep the water is at the end of the ramp, and whether the ramp is wide enough for a safe launch,” Mr Hemming said.
“Low river flows have changed conditions at many boat ramps and it is absolutely essential that boat operators are vigilant in checking the water depth before attempting to launch their vessel."
Once everyone is on board, it is recommended the operator move their vessel away from the ramp at a slow speed, keeping a lookout for any snags or hazards close to the water’s surface.
Boaters are also being urged to avoid potential harm and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when operating in open boats on the River Murray and Lower Lakes.
Skippers and passengers can also help identify navigation hazards by phoning Murray Watch on (08) 8531 0710 to report the location and hazard type.
For further information on navigation hazards in the Murray River and lakes visit the DTEI website at www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/marine/rec_boating/rivermurray_and_lakes.asp
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| EC workshops |
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Workshops are being held in the Central & Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges and the Lower South East to provide information on:
- Exceptional Circumstances (EC) eligibility
- the application process for income support
- interest rates subsides
- further assistance available from the Rural Financial Counselling Service of SA (RFCSSA) and Centrelink.
This is part of a series of workshops that have been running in EC declared areas across the State.
The RFCSSA, PIRSA and Centrelink are conducting the following sessions:
Wednesday 21 November
Lobethal: AHBTC Building, Woollen Mills, 10.30 am - 12 noon
Cambrai: Cambrai Hotel, 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm
Monday 26 November
Mt Gambier: Presidential Motel, 10.30 am - 12 noon
Coonawarra: Chardonnay Lodge, 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm
For more information telephone 1800 836 211.
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| Irrigator workshops |
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The latest seminars, workshops and field days of interest to irrigators are posted on PIRSA’s website on the drought page: www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/drought
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| SAFF drought tour of North |
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The South Australian Farmers’ Federation (SAFF) has organised a three-day drought information tour of the State’s North, starting on Wednesday 21 November, visiting Roxby Downs, Maree, and Hawker. Meeting details:
Wednesday 21 November: Roxby Downs TAFE, Richardson Place, 7.00 pm
Thursday 22 November: Maree Hotel, 7.00 pm
Friday 23 November: Hawker Hotel Motel, 1.30 pm
To attend meetings, please contact Mr Geoff Power on 0428 581 067.
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| Drought bus visiting South Australia |
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The Australian Government’s drought bus, providing information on available assistance, is visiting the South East and Kangaroo Island in November.
Upcoming locations are:
Parndana
Friday 16 Nov, 9.30 am - 11.30 am: Across from IGA supermarket, Cook St
Kingston, SE
Monday 19 Nov, 12.30 pm - 4.30 pm: Car park Institute Hall, Agnes St
Beachport
Tuesday 20 Nov, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm: Lagoon Reserve, Sommerville St
Kalangadoo
Wednesday 21 Nov, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm: Near Post Office, Railway Tce
Kongorong
Thursday 22 Nov, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm: Kongorong Sportsmen’s Club, Hay Tce
Penola
Friday 23 Nov, 9.30 am - 3.00 pm: In front of Memorial Park, Riddoch Highway
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