Barmah Choke trade rules relaxed for 2011-12

Trades of water allocations from above to below the Barmah Choke will be allowed in the 2011-12 water year.

Download PDF here

This announcement follows the decision by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to relax the rule controlling water allocation trades across the Choke. This is consistent with the New South Wales announcement in May 2011 to allow trade across the Choke.

The MDBA will undertake fortnightly reviews of the relaxation. This may result in the reinstatement of normal trading rules. Changes will depend on water availability and the volume of trades across the Choke during the season.

Based on current water availability for 2011-12, and the amount of water traded in 2010-11, trades from above to below the Choke will be possible as long as there is enough capacity in the channel to deliver this water. These trades will also be supplemented by water in storages below the Choke.

Any announcement to reinstate normal trading rules would be made by the MDBA. Allocation trades approved up until that time from above to below the Choke will be honoured.

State water allocation announcements will include reference to the ongoing status of the relaxation.

The Choke constrains the volume of water that can be delivered to downstream users, particularly during summer when both demand and evaporation losses are high.

Trade in entitlements from above to below the Choke will remain prohibited.

For more information contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au

Receive MDBA updates via http://twitter.com/MD_Basin_Auth