WITH its dams filling and winter crops booming, the Riverina is brimming with confidence, writes KIM WOODS
Water security remains the focus of Riverina and Murray Valley communities.
Irrigators, farmers and residents are awaiting the release of the Murray Darling Basin draft plan, which will set new guidelines for surface and ground water extractions in the region.
The Murray River system alone sustains a $1 billion agriculture and agricultural processing industry.
The region boasts the third-largest vegetable growing area in NSW and produces a third of the state's grapes and a quarter of its citrus.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing is the region's major employer, followed by manufacturing and retail trade.
Widespread autumn and winter rain has resulted in the Murrumbidgee Valley's major water storages reaching their highest level since 2005.
Hume Dam's capacity has reached more than 40 per cent, with speculation rife it may fill this year.
Despite some waterlogging in the east, Riverina grain growers are anticipating the biggest winter crop yields of the decade.
Landmark rural property specialist Bill Schulz said the spotlight had returned to grain properties with a lift in wheat prices.
"After a quieter autumn and early winter, it appears buyer confidence is growing with the continued rain, the fully firm lamb market and rising grain prices," Mr Schulz said.
In the eastern Riverina, the economy has received a shot in the arm with work starting on the $228 million Hume Highway Woomargama bypass.
The 9km dual carriageway will bypass the Woomargama village and eliminate the single-lane highway between Holbrook and Albury.
Further north, Wagga Wagga industrial estate Bomen Park is benefiting from a $63 million agricultural investment.
