Murrumbidgee irrigators on general security licences won't be receiving so much as a drop to start the season, the NSW Department of Industry announced on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
No water has been set aside for the MIA, as allocations continue to be slashed across NSW amidst the ongoing drought.
The news is "dismal" for Griffith grower John Bonetti, who said irrigators had already been struggling to get by on seven per cent allocations.
"It's absolutely devastating. I don't know what we're going to do," Mr Bonetti said.
"All we can do is hope things change quickly."
Mr Bonetti said he does have some high security water, but may have to turn to the temporary water market just to keep his vineyard growing.
It'll be a tough decision to make, especially as water prices continue their relentless upwards trend.
READ MORE
It's a rough start to the season - even rougher than last year's, which started off with three per cent allocation for general security holders.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton said it was a "life or death" situation for MIA irrigators.
She's written to state and federal ministers asking for emergency water allocation to drought-stricken farmers in the seat of Murray.
"Every week, a family farm is going bust due to lack of water allocation," Mrs Dalton said.
"If this continues, an entire industry that Australia depends on for its food supply could be wiped out".
NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment water drought co-ordinator Michael Wrathall said the cuts to allocations were made necessary by the drought.
"Over the last three months we have been working hard to make sure communities, farmers, councils, mines and other businesses in drought-affected valleys are aware of how the drought will impact water allocations this year," Mr Wrathall said.
High security water holders will continue to have 95 per cent of their entitlements.
The next water allocation announcement will be on July 15.
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.