NSW Murray irrigators are “elated” after they woke last week to discover their water allocations had doubled.
It is the first time Murray general security water users have had a full allocation since 2016.
The NSW Government announced a 55 per cent rise to general security allocations to total 110 per cent.
Irrigators have been pushing for more access to water for weeks with Hume Dam at 97 per cent full and the Murray River reaching minor flood levels.
Wakool Rivers Association chair John Lolicato, who farms north of Barham, said the announcement was very welcome.
“We were very surprised, almost elated,” he told the ABC.
“It’s actually terrific to see that we’ve finally got to where we should be.
“It’s a great announcement — bring on a great season.”
The allocation may impact summer cropping decisions, with rice currently being planted in the region.
“It’s still probably early enough for people to make last minute decisions,” Mr Lolicato said.
“It’s better now than in two weeks time.”
The 110 per cent allocation will allow irrigators to use 10 per cent of the water carried over from the previous season.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Murray system moves from 93 per cent of high-reliability water shares (HRWS) to 100 per cent HRWS.
The Goulburn, Campaspe and Loddon systems remain at 100 per cent HRWS.
Resource manager Mark Bailey said the Murray system reached 100 per cent HRWS as strong flows into all major storages continued with recent rainfall.
“The sustained flows into the Murray system have provided enough resource to repay all of the borrowed Barmah-Millewa Forest Environmental Water Allocation and announce the 100 per cent allocation,” Dr Bailey said.
