Continuing growth

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The early and mid 1960s were again marked by low rainfall and drought conditions. Farms and towns in the region now had access to secure water supplies for their stock and domestic needs through the irrigation system, which considerably softened the impact of seasonal conditions.

However, for the first time, the demand for water along the Murray River outstripped supply. Responding to this, the NSW Government introduced volumetric allocations in the 1966/1967 season.

There would be no new water allocations in the irrigation districts, and a limit was set on how much water landholders could use. As part of the change the water available to each landholding was increased to account for climatic factors and history of use.

Drought continued that year and with the new rules in place some landholders found that they no longer had enough water for their crops. This same year the first water trades between local landholders were recorded.

The intensity of irrigation in the region has continued to increase, resulting in greater production and improved farm incomes. Farm enterprise diversity has helped to stabilise local economies, and supported more secondary and tertiary industries in local communities.

The rice industry has emerged as a significant contributor to community development. The Murray Valley produces up to half of Australia’s rice crop and Deniliquin is home to the largest mill in the southern hemisphere.

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