The system reserve policy is changing on the Goulburn system for the 2010-11 irrigation season.

Under the new policy, water will be put aside and kept in storage for use the following year earlier than has happened in the past.

The changes aim to make sure the distribution systems can deliver water for all users when and where it is needed, and to reduce the risk of zero allocation years.

Setting reserves aside earlier provides insurance against drought and the potential impact of climate change. Under the most severe climate change scenario put forward in the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy, there was a risk of zero August allocations in 11 years out of 100. By changing the reserve policy, this risk is minimised.

The consultation undertaken by the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy confirmed it was important to have allocations early in the season. Enabling the system to run through being able to deliver water early in the season also ensures water can be delivered to meet critical human needs.

The reserve policy for the Murray system will change in 2011. Under requirements of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement, a reserve will be established to ensure that sufficient water is set aside each year to supply critical human water needs. Further information will be provided on the Murray once arrangements are progressed.

In the smaller Campaspe and Loddon systems changing the reserve policy is not as effective in reducing the number of years with zero allocations and the cost is high. Because it is not effective, customers do not support a change, so they will continue to operate under their current policy.

Further investigation is required on the Broken System before any decision is made.

More information 

Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy Project Update: A New System Reserve Policy (PDF~144kb).