Irrigation water allocations for northern Victoria have opened at a relatively low level.
Although the irrigation season doesn’t start until mid-August, the allocations are announced by the Resource Manager on July 1.
The Goulburn system starts with 31 per cent of high-reliability with the Murray system at 39 per cent.
Resource Manager Mark Bailey said the opening seasonal determinations were lower than recent years, except in the Campaspe system.
“Drier conditions through 2024-25 meant we had fewer reserves for the opening seasonal determinations compared to the last few years,” Dr Bailey said.
“The Campaspe system was the exception and secured enough reserves for a 100 per cent seasonal determination.
“More water is needed in the Broken and Bullarook systems before seasonal determinations can increase.
“Recent rainfall in the catchment areas is welcome, but continued rainfall is needed over the coming months to increase storages levels and seasonal determinations across all systems.”