South Australia’s River Murray water access entitlement holders will receive a 100 per cent water allocation in 2017-18, thanks to last spring’s highest inflows in 23 years.

The 100 per cent opening allocation means South Australia is expected to receive its full State Entitlement Flow of 1,850 gigalitres.

The announcement gives irrigators and other water users the certainty they need to make important business decisions for the coming year.

The 100 per cent allocation compares to 2016-17 when our State’s opening allocation was just 36 per cent, progressing to 100 per cent by August last year.

Thanks to the improved inflows to the Murray-Darling Basin major storages, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority provided advice to the South Australian Government that supports water access entitlement holders receiving 100 per cent water allocations in 2017-18.

"I am pleased that the opening allocation is a full 100 per cent of our entitlement flow, as this will give our water users some certainty in making their decisions for 2017-18", Water and the River Murray Minister Ian Hunter said.

"Last year South Australia’s River Murray experienced the highest flows in 23 years. But as widely known, the wettest months can quickly revert to drier times".

"Water users should be aware that some climate models are forecasting potentially dry conditions in 2017, which could affect water availability in 2018-19".

Mr Hunter said the State Government is committed to providing water users with timely information on water allocations and private carryover to assist with water management for the year ahead.

Tim Whetstone says it's fantastic news

"The announcement that South Australian irrigators will have access to 100 per cent of their entitlements in 2017-18 is fantastic news and provides businesses with the ability to plan ahead with certainty", Tim Whetstone, Member for Chaffey, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment said.

"Again, I’d like to reiterate that under a Liberal Government in South Australia, irrigators will be provided with forecast probability scenarios for water availability to allow them to better plan ahead."

Greek Tribune