However, the River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald is yet to announce exactly how much carry-over water will be available in the coming water year, starting from July 1.

“It is expected that at least 50 per cent of eligible carry-over water will be allocated from July 1, with the remainder to be allocated as the season progresses,” Mrs Maywald said.

“Licence-holders are reminded that the provision of carry-over depends on climate conditions and the ability to deliver it from interstate storages.”

Mrs Maywald yesterday issued a “clarification” press release, re-confirming the above statements and announcing that further information about the probabilities for improvement in allocations for 2008/09 and the likely timeframes for delivery of the remaining carry-over water would be provided in the middle of next month.

“In addition the State Government announced ... it was investigating all possible options to make a small initial allocation,” she said.

“More information will be available on June 16.”

South Australian Murray Irrigators chairman Tim Whetstone said the fate of irrigators could depend on them being able to use at least part of the carry-over water in the opening months of the season.

“Hundreds of families are hanging their hats on that carry-over water,” Mr Whetstone said.

He said SAMI would continue to lobby the Government for an above zero allocation.

Federal Member for Barker Patrick Secker said small businesses would also suffer because of the nil water allocation.

“The ongoing drought and zero water allocations mean small businesses will face dire economic consequences when water supplies are cut off to irrigators and farmers,” Mr Secker said.