At a Glance – in this newsletter:
- End of Water Year – Check your Water Statement. Temporary trade to fix any negative balances.
- Works Shutdown – 25th May to the 14th June 2025.
- Announced Allocation – 74%
- Updated Website – new look, updated Water Buy/Sell, extra historical info.
- Water Trading – Please advise EICL as soon as possible, so that we can approve etc quickly.
- Changes to the EICL Rules – New rules now registered.
- Farewell Jan Singleton – Thanks for your service, Jan.
- Welcome Dee-ann Grech – Replacing Jan Singleton as Finance Manager/Company Secretary.
- Changing Customer Details – must be advised in writing using the Customer Details Form.
End of Water Year
31st of March is the end of the water year. Please check the water statement that comes with this newsletter. If you believe that something is incorrect, please contact the EICL office and we can work with you to correct it.
Works Shutdown
As previously notified, a 3-week shutdown will occur so that works can be completed on the system from the
25th May to the 14th June, 2025
Please ensure that you have enough water in storage to meet your needs over that period.
Irrigators are advised to use this period while the water is down, to check their meter outlet (the inlet to their on-farm system) and clean out any mud or debris that may be blocking it.
If your outlet needs cleaning out, before the water is drained, please contact EICL to do that. Do not enter the channel while there is still water in it. Any modifications to pipes or Eton Irrigation infrastructure should be approved and completed by EICL staff.
Announced Allocation
The Announced Allocation increased by 19% on the 19th January 2026 to 100%. With the new water year starting on the 1st April and Kinchant Dam at Full Supply Level, an opening allocation of 74% has been announced.
Updated Website
The Eton Irrigation website has been updated with a new look and some extra content:
- Updated Water Buy/Sell page – clearer, listing available parcels by area
- Updated Customer Documents including historical documents (Fees & Charges, Annual Reports etc)
The EICL staff also now have more control over the website, including making changes and additions, saving time and contractor costs.
Check it out at www.etonirrigation.com.au
Water Trading
As noted above, we have improved the website for customers looking to buy/sell/lease temporary and permanent water. Please contact the office if you want to trade water and we can facilitate connections between buyers and sellers.
If you are selling/purchasing/transferring a Water Allocation, you need to get your solicitor to contact us or in the very least send a copy of the Disclosure Statement so we are aware of the transaction and can give Sunwater our quick approval for the transfer to go ahead.
Changes to the EICL Rules
A motion to change the rules of EICL was passed at the AGM to require a minimum of 30ML of water allocation to be held to qualify for active membership. The rule has now been approved and registered with the Co-operatives Registrar. According to Co-operatives Law, any members that no longer qualify for membership (ie hold less than 30ML) must have their membership cancelled. All those affected should have received a letter from EICL by now. Note that those that have their membership cancelled still own water allocation, are still customers of EICL and will still have access to water.
A motion to change the Scheme Distribution Rules and Service Targets was also passed at the AGM to allow new small S&D outlets. We have finalised a form for those wanting to install a new S&D meter. That form is available from the EICL website or by contacting EICL.
Farewell Jan Singleton
Our Finance Manager/Company Secretary, Jan Singleton, has decided to retire. Jan commenced with EICL in February 2023 and has been a huge contributor to the organisation since then. As the Finance Manager, she has continued to improve our systems and undertake some big abnormal tasks, such as reconciling the staff super and transitioning to a new Accountancy firm. Jan also spent a lot of time managing the WHS system, reviewing policies and keeping them up to date. She has learnt the role of the Company Secretary, met our compliance responsibilities and helped the organisation manage significant changes, such as changes to the rules.
Jan officially finished on the 16th April, but has agreed to assist our new Finance Manager/Company Secretary in the future, as needed. We thank Jan for her enormous contribution to EICL and wish her all the best in her retirement.
Welcome Dee-ann Grech
Dee-ann Grech commenced on the 23rd March as EICL’s Finance Manager/Company Secretary. Dee-ann has 12 years’ experience as an accountant, having completed her degree in 2015. She has worked for Mackay Sugar, Wilmar and Mackay based accountancy firms during that time. She has also managed an irrigation farming enterprise with her husband since 2006.
Changing Customer Details
A reminder that Eton Irrigation requires all changes to a customer’s details to be advised in writing using a Customer Details Form. This is to ensure that any changes are authorised by the correct person, that privacy is protected and to minimise the risk of fraud.
Austin Evans
GM Eton Irrigation
0427 277 906
austin.evans@etonirrigation.com.au