A HOT and dry summer had led to record water use in the Macquarie Valley, according to NSW Water Commissioner David Harriss when announcing a two per cent increase to general security allocations for water users of the Macquarie and Cudgegong regulated rivers.
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It is the second consecutive month that general security allocations have risen.
"Both this and last month's allocation increases are related to inflows from heavy rainfall throughout the region in early March," Mr Harriss said.
"The demand for water has been very strong given the very hot and dry summer experienced across much of the state.
"Record water use in the Macquarie Valley of 542 gigalitres (GL) has been recorded to the end of March, exceeding the previous maximum use in a water year of 541GL in 2001/2002."
Macquarie River Food and Fibre (MRFF), the peak body for irrigated agriculture in the valley, has welcomed the announcement.
"While a two per cent increase sounds quite modest, the additional water will provide a healthy boost to agricultural production in the region," executive officer Susan Madden said.
"At current commodity prices, a two per cent allocation increase will add a further $5 million to the value of the region's food and fibre production and secure an additional 10 local farming jobs."
MRFF reports that with this season's $250 million irrigated crop harvest well under way, most of the extra water will be carried over for use in 2013/2014.
The Macquarie and Cudgegong rivers water sharing plan supports allocations to general security licence holders if enough water remains in Burrendong and Windamere dams to meet environmental, town water, stock and domestic needs, should the region fall back into drought. Mr Harriss said the 2012/13 water allocation was 64 per cent of entitlement in both valleys.
"When combined with carryover this brings the total water available to Macquarie users to 128 per cent of entitlement, and 164 per cent of entitlement for Cudgegong water users."
The commissioner said the increase in water would also provide 3200 megalitres to the Environmental Water Allowance held in Burrendong Dam.
