INCREASED WATER ENTITLEMENTS FOR BOWEN IRRIGATORS

Irrigators in the Bowen Delta area will have access to up to 100 percent of water entitlements after substantial rainfalls in June, Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace said that for sub-areas 711, 721, 722, 731 and 732, the use of maximum 100 percent of annual nominal entitlement was permitted. These include Don River delta areas and lower Don River areas.

For all other sub-areas, the use of maximum 100 percent of annual nominal entitlement continues.

“In June this year there was widespread rainfall over the whole catchment including the floodplain and considerable stream-flow in the Don River and Euri Creek,” Mr Wallace said.

“The reduction in irrigation requirements for the area has resulted in the groundwater storage staying at higher levels than those recorded for many years.

“This means we have been able to increase the announced entitlements for users in the delta, while maintaining 100 percent allocation for the rest of the area. This is great news for the Bowen community.”

The announced entitlement for users in the delta area had previously stood at 85 percent.

Mr Wallace said the Bowen Water Advisory Group had presented a strong case for increasing the announced allocation to 100 percent across the entire district. The group’s local knowledge and experience also contributed to the decision on the increased entitlement for the current water year, he said.

NRW manager, water services, Gary Jensen said the announced water entitlements applied to irrigation, urban and industrial use only. They do not apply to pumping for stock water or household use.

The increased entitlements apply for the current water year, starting on 1 April 2007 and ending 31 March 2008.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.