Flood recovery update 14 April 2023

The table in this week's update shows the progress of the State Government's levee assessment and dewatering program.

Dewatering is currently underway across 14 areas with assessments conducted weekly as the circumstances in each LMRIA area change.

Levee recovery update

PIRSA and DEW are continuing the process of levee assessments and dewatering of irrigation areas in the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area (LMRIA). LiDAR and stability assessments are now complete at the majority of government-owned levees, and recommendation reports are expected mid-April. Stability works have now commenced at Mypolonga and Burdett, with remaining levees scheduled for late April 2023.

Installation of control points are being completed at all privately owned levees with scheduled LiDAR flights starting this week. DEW will then access these levees by foot or light vehicle to undertake on-ground inspections and undertake geophysical testing, where able, to ensure stability of banks for civil earth moving equipment.

Once the levee banks have been assessed for stability and bearing capacity, short-term stabilisation works will be undertaken to enable the dewatering of the land and to provide landowners access.

Considerations for works to be undertaken include the safety of staff and contractors, accessibility (both to and along the levees), integrity of the remaining length of levee and availability of contractors and materials.

Once the areas have dried out and the levees are no longer engaged on both sides, a full condition assessment will be undertaken to determine longer term requirements.

For more information and updates on levee recovery works, see Levees.

LMRIA dewatering and levee conditions

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee update

The next LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for 26 April. If you wish to raise any matters with the subcommittee, key contacts are listed below.

DPC survey

As part of the plan to move towards achieving positive outcomes for communities, businesses and councils, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) invites you to share your thoughts, issues and ideas, whether you were directly affected by the flood or not.

The survey will close at midnight on 30 April 2023.

If you are unable to complete the survey before the closing date, or if wish to provide more feedback, please contact Alex Zimmermann, Community Recovery Coordinator, on 0455 984 411 or alex.zimmermann@sa.gov.au

Access to levees

Please be aware that all government-owned levee banks along the Lower Murray from Mannum to Wellington remain closed until further notice. Recreational activities along the levee banks, such as walking and fishing, will not be allowed during this time.

While stability assessments and works are being undertaken, safety on and around the levees, is the primary focus. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, you should not:

• enter or remain on an engaged levee except as provided for an emergency response or inspection, maintenance, and repair (including inspection, maintenance and repair of the levee, power lines or other infrastructure)
• moor, anchor, attach, or secure any vessel to an engaged levee
• operate a vessel on the River Murray exceeding a speed of 4 knots within 250 metres of an engaged levee.

Local Irrigation Trust members and contractors will have continued access for inspections, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Members are encouraged to take all necessary precautions when working on the levees.

As privately owned levees along the Lower Murray are managed and maintained by private landholders, access to their levee banks may be closed at the discretion of the landholder.

Predicted water levels

Water levels around the Lower Lakes are typical for this time of year, where DEW usually target an average water level of 0.6 m AHD across Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert. While there is not a specific water level target for the LMRIA, both areas are connected and what occurs in the Lower Lakes will impact the LMRIA.

Over the coming months, the target water level around the Lower Lakes will gradually rise to 0.7 m by the end of June, as occurs at this time during most years.

Although this is the target, there will be times when the water levels can be higher or lower. At these times the barrages will be operated to either raise or lower water levels as required. Water levels and barrage operations are monitored closely by the South Australian Government, Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.

The latest flow information is available at Flows and daily water levels or see the weekly River Murray flow report.

If you have any questions, please email the DEW Engagement Team.

Waste clean-up

Do you have old sandbags or other wastes to dispose of? Free vouchers for flood-affected debris disposal are now available.

Register for a free clean-up assessment with Green Industries SA's waste collection program by calling 1800 302 787:

Once registered, an authorised contractor will contact you. Assessments and waste removal will commence when heavy vehicle access is permitted.

For more information, see Flood disaster waste management.

Mental health assistance

The short and long-term recovery of an event such as the River Murray 2022–23 flood event, can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of affected communities and individuals.

The impact may also be felt by people who are not directly affected by the floods, but may have experienced previous trauma related to a natural disaster, have loved ones in affected areas or are witnessing traumatic events through media coverage and social media.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope, reach out to local services that can provide mental health and wellbeing support. SA Health's Mental health recovery information for community members after a disaster provides a range of practical and emotional resources available for people who wish to seek support due to the impact of the River Murray flood disasters.

Family and Business (FaB) mentors are also available as a starting point to access support.

Financial assistance for farmers

Services Australia will provide disaster relief payments to eligible farmers who have been impacted by the floods. The payment rate is equivalent to the JobSeeker allowance (maximum payment is approximately $608 per fortnight for each person if partnered, or $718 per fortnight if single with children). These claims can be made up until 29 May 2023.

For more information see:

• South Australian Floods, November 2022 - Disaster Recovery Allowance
• Centrelink online account help - Claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance

Alternatively, for primary producers who will be experiencing long term loss of income or reduced income, the Farm household allowance (FHA) may be available, which is a payment for up to four years. FHA is income and asset tested.

Both payment types can be lodged via a MyGov account linked to Centrelink.

Rural Business Support (RBS) can assist primary producers with these claims and longer-term financial planning and management to help get your businesses back up and running – phone 1800 836 211.

Additional assistance

Primary producers impacted by the River Murray flood are encouraged to access the Primary Producer Recovery Grants and the Primary Production Irrigation Grants along with other services.

For more information call 1800 931 314.

Key contacts

PIRSA – dewatering activities
Tarsha McGregor – Recovery Facilitator
PIRSA Murray Bridge Office, Bremer Rd
Phone: 0428 105 396
Email: tarsha.mcgregor@sa.gov.au

DEW – levee assessment and stabilisation
Scott Ashby – Community engagement
Email: dew.wiocommunications@sa.gov.au

DPC – Community Recovery Coordinator
Alex Zimmermann
Phone: 0455 984 411
Email: alex.zimmermann@sa.gov.au

Rural Business Support
ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
Phone: 1800 836 211