FROM July 1, new rules are set to come into effect to control the trade of water from the Goulburn to the Murray.

It’s the result of months of consultation and lobbying for a cautious and conservative approach to the rules.

The Government says the proposed rules will ensure that water traded from the Goulburn River to the Murray River can be delivered without negatively impacting entitlements, or the environment.

An ‘interim’ trial period of one year will enable this to be tested.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper is reserving her judgement of the changes until the interim period has run its course.

The purpose of the interim trade rule is to protect the Goulburn River from prolonged high flows over summer and autumn. To this end, trade will be capped from December 15 this year.

Ms Cupper said the idea is that irrigators in our area will not disadvantaged during the 2021-22 season.

“I’ve been in contact with the main industry bodies, farmers and irrigators on this matter, and would welcome their ongoing feedback during this coming phase,” Ms Cupper said.

“The same amount of water will be delivered over Summer and Autumn, but will be delivered in a more variable way.

“As part of the trial, 1,100 ML of water will be used as a daily base flow rate, and will be adjusted to reduce erosion and allow riverbank vegetation to become established.”

Ms Cupper said the beauty of the new trade and operating rules are that they’re adjustable.

“We all need to work in tandem to maintain the health of our river system,” Ms Cupper said.

“It’s not only about protecting river banks upstream, but also continue ensuring enough water is delivered to maintain the viability of Sunraysia’s agricultural operations.

“The coming year will give environmental managers key scientific insights about what effect variable water releases will have.”

A decision on long-term trading and operating rules will be made ahead of July 1 next year.