Mr Harriss announced that the general security water allocation in the Murrumbidgee Valley would increase by 2 per cent to 20 per cent of entitlement.

This, coupled with the 10 per cent distribution allowance offered by Coleambally Irrigation, brings local irrigator allocations up to 30 per cent.

Mr Harriss said the increase to 20 per cent in the Murrumbidgee Valley was the result of small inflows generated by patchy rainfall in the upper reaches of the catchment, coupled with less than forecast transmission losses.

Mr Harriss also advised that a further 60 gigalitres would be available for trade out of the Murrumbidgee Valley in 2009/2010.

“A third ballot will commence immediately, under the same arrangements that applied in the previous two Murrumbidgee water ballots,” Mr Harriss said.

“Applications will be received by State Water staff in Deniliquin for a three-week period, ending close of business March 8, 2010.

“Full details will be available on State Water’s website shortly.”

Mr Harriss also advised that the carryover rules that applied in 2009/10 would be repeated in 2010/11 and that all trading in the Murray and Murrumbidgee valleys would close on May 30, 2010.