7 December 2021

GOULBURN INTER-VALLEY TRADE

New interim policy arrangements have been implemented for Goulburn inter-valley trade (IVT) during 2021-22. These new arrangements affect the over-all volume and the timing of water trade through the year, from the Goulburn to the Murray system.

Over-all volume:

• About 130 gigalitres (GL) of net trade opportunity from the Goulburn to the Murray system is expected in 2021-22, with average conditions.
• In the past, Goulburn IVT volumes have varied from year to year depending on factors including the season, and on water and commodity prices. A record Goulburn IVT volume of 250 gigalitres occurred in 2017-18.

1 July to 15 December:

• Under the new arrangements, when water can be delivered from the Goulburn IVT account, trade opportunity increases by an equivalent volume.
• When the balance of water owed from the Goulburn to the Murray in that year drops below 190GL, trade opens.

15 December to 30 June:

• On 15 December if Goulburn high-reliability water share seasonal determinations are not going to reach 100% additional trade opportunity is released.
• From 15 December onwards, when water is delivered from the Goulburn IVT account, trade opportunity is not created.
• Typically, the Goulburn IVT account balance will be drawn down, resulting in opening trade opportunity available on 1 July in the next season.
• Opportunity to trade out of the Goulburn may still become available if back-trade occurs from the Murray to the Goulburn system.

MURRAY SHORTFALL RISK

• Murray delivery shortfall risks have been increasing over the last 10 to 20 years.
• Murray shortfall risks below Barmah cannot be managed to zero.
• When a shortfall occurs, water will be temporarily rationed according to delivery share or extraction share.
• A system shortfall occurs when there is not enough capacity in the river and channel system to supply all downstream water needs. There is a low risk of a system shortfall in 2021 – 22.
• A delivery shortfall occurs when there is an unexpected spike in demand and not enough time to get more water from the dams to where users want it. There is always a risk of a delivery shortfall, especially during a heatwave.
• For updated information on the shortfall risk, monitor the Murray Darling Basin Authority Weekly Report.

Irrigation webinar series recordings