Blowering Dam and Burrinjuck Dam were built to support irrigation.

More recently the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has been using the purpose-built irrigation dams to store water for “environmental flows.”

In spring last year, without any significant summer, autumn or winter rainfall events, water levels in Blowering Dam and Burrinjuck Dam were about 70 percent each.

At the time irrigators wanted environmental water to be released to finish winter crops grown on irrigation land. 

The idea at the time was that these crops could be baled and sold as stock feed to help graziers.

The idea was given strong support, however very little water was released for producers as it was later determined all the water in the dams was accounted for.

It was owned by 1) farmers as carry over water, (water stored for irrigators) and 2) “Environmental Water.” 

Water held for down the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers owned by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.

Irrigators were then given a zero per cent and six per cent general security allocation.

What concerns me is that last year, even if there were good rains, there would have remained only 30 per cent capacity in the dams to store water for this summer irrigation season. 

It is clear the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder is taking up storage capacity of the dams built for irrigation.

Shouldn’t the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder should be banned from storing water in dams built for irrigation?

Everyone, every story is the focus of Australia Day 2019.

This year’s theme typifies our life in contemporary Australia; a unique and beautiful country, where we all have a story to tell.

Each of our stories reflect our own backgrounds, who we are, our cultures, as well as our experiences and beliefs, making us the most diverse people in the world.

So let’s mark this Australia Day 2019 by telling and listening to these stories, whether it be as a proud Indigenous Australian, as a new citizen, or as someone whose ancestors came from other parts of the world.

Use this day to come together and communicate our stories whilst celebrating the freedoms we hold dearly and the communities we love and share.

Of course, the day also marks a significant beginning for many people as they become Australian Citizens. We welcome you with open arms and hope you will enjoy living in this wonderful part of the world.

Everyone has a unique story, so let’s share these as we celebrate all that we have in our great nation.

Have something you want to get off your chest? We are here to listen. Send your letters to letters@dailyadvertiser.com.au. Please include your name and phone number (not for publication) so we can verify your letter.