Locals invited to a sneak preview

18 October 2011

An Australian first in river management is about to roll out along the Murrumbidgee River and State Water is asking licence holders to attend one of a series of information sessions to learn more about the project.

Seven information sessions about the computer-aided river management (CARM) project will run from Tuesday to Friday, 25-28 October, at Balranald, Hay, Jerilderie, Darlington Point, Narrandera, Collingullie and Gundagai.

"This $65 million CARM project is as much about the communities along the Murrumbidgee as it is about implementing new technology," said Brett Tucker, State Water’s Chief Executive Officer.

"This latest series of information sessions offers landholders an opportunity to chat to a member of the project team and also have the opportunity to view a new satellite-enabled meter."

The 600 meters are the backbone of the CARM project, which also includes capital works and technology upgrades. When complete in June 2012, CARM will vastly improve the measurement and monitoring of water flows along the Murrumbidgee system, which will mean fairer, more efficient water management for all users along the river.

"Delivering improved modelling across the Murrumbidgee, gives us greater control over the diversions and flow paths, and this ensures we have better forecasting of inflows and optimisation of enroute storages. It also ensures the correct amount of irrigation water is delivered to the right place at the right time," Mr Tucker said.

"We are encouraging landholders to take the opportunity to talk one-on-one with our project team, our managing contractors and your local State Water Customer Field Officer about the project. We will also have an example of a new meter on display.

"Our managing contractors, Comdain Infrastructure have been appointed to oversee and direct the initial planning and then installation of meters. They have started to contact licence holders who have been identified as part of the project."

For further information on the CARM Project, please visit www.carmproject.com.au or call the CARM project hotline on 1300 269 587.