Flood recovery update 14 July 2023

As we head into longer-term flood recovery, we will be distributing this newsletter fortnightly instead of weekly.

Dewatering update

Wellington has commenced its dewatering operations, signifying it is the final region to start this process. As of 14 July 2023, a total of 13 out of 20 areas have been successfully dewatered, with the progress underway in the remaining 7 areas.

PIRSA in partnership with SA Dairyfarmers' Association (SADA) is delivering dewatering services to irrigation areas. The progress is shown in the map and table below.

Levee recovery

Field inspections have been undertaken on all Government owned levees. As of 13 July, field inspections have been undertaken on 11 of the private levees with field inspections of the remaining levees planned for next week.

The reinforcement of levee stabilisation works, where required, is currently underway. In addition, the risk of increased flows on the repaired sections of levees is also being assessed and any identified risks, as well as reinforcement, will be addressed on a priority basis.

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) profiles have been provided to all levee representatives.

For more information and updates, see Levees.

River Murray flow in South Australia

The flow at the South Australian border is approximately 38 gigalitres per day and is forecast to increase to around 45 gigalitres per day over the coming week depending on river operations.

Airspace releases from Hume and Dartmouth dams as well as rainfall over the upper Murray catchment and Victorian tributaries (such as the Goulburn and Ovens catchment) over recent weeks has led to this increase in flow at the South Australian border.

The latest forecast upstream of the South Australian border indicates that the flow to South Australia (SA) will increase to around 45 gigalitres per day, depending on river operations, on or around 20 July 2023 and then be relatively stable around 40 gigalitres per day until late August before declining. This flow outlook is largely based on measurements of flow already in transit to SA and may increase and/or persist for longer if further rainfall on the catchment occurs and/or if pre-releases from storages are increased.

The current expected peak flow is similar to flow observed in July to September 2022 however unlike last year, the forecast outlook is for a warmer and drier than average August to October period (see Bureau of Meteorology outlook below).

While this is considered a high flow, this type of flow is most common in winter-spring when the Murray catchment receives the bulk of its rainfall.

See Flow reports for more information.

Predicted water levels

Current water levels are updated daily

Water levels around the Lower Lakes are typical for this time of year, with Lake Alexandrina at approximately 0.8 m AHD and Lake Albert at approximately 0.8 m AHD.

The Lower Lakes are being managed to target a daily average lake level between 0.65 m AHD to 0.75 m AHD during July 2023. During adverse weather conditions, SA Water will operate the barrages to minimise the risk of seawater entering Lake Alexandrina, therefore minimising any negative salinity impacts from reverse flow events. As the frequency of storms are greater during winter months it may mean that barrages are often closed. However, every opportunity is being taken to release water when conditions permit. This includes having a large number of gates open when conditions are suitable and utilising automatic gates to open and close at all hours of the day in line with tide conditions.

Water Data SA has information on:

• gate openings at the barrages
• total daily flow releases from the barrages.

The latest flow information is available on the Flows and daily water levels webpage or view the weekly River Murray Flow Report.

If you have any questions, please email the DEW Engagement Team: dew.wiocommunications@sa.gov.au.

River Murray flood resilience planning code amendment

The South Australian Government is holding a public consultation on the River Murray flood resilience code amendment.

Staff from Planning and Land Use Services will be available to talk to interested members of the community at information sessions in Morgan and Mannum.

Find out more and register to attend any of the sessions.

For more information see New planning rules to support River Murray flood-resilient redevelopment or call 1800 752 664.

Meter readings

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) understands that some customers may be unable to provide current meter readings due to the flood event. If you are unable to comply with meter reading requirements, or have any related concerns, please contact the DEW Water Licensing team at DEW.waterlicensingberri@sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8595 2053 to discuss your individual circumstances.

Inoperable water meters

Where a water meter is inoperable and needs to be replaced, it must comply with national metering standards for meter selection, installation and maintenance. This means that water meters must be:

• pattern approved non-urban water meters (PDF)
• validated by a certified person following installation
• maintained in accordance with national metering standards.

A certified person must complete a validation certificate following a validation on a water meter. Forms are available as PDF or docx for Word.

Once you have been provided with a validation certificate, you are required to notify the Department for Environment and Water of the new meter installation by completing a Water Meter Notification Form.

Please contact the SA Farmer's Dairy Association (SADA) for the details of local certified contractors on (08) 8293 2399 or email sada@sada.asn.au.

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee update

The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for 16 August 2023. If you wish to raise any matters with the subcommittee, please do so via the key contacts listed below.

This subcommittee ensures the flood recovery priorities for primary producers are appropriately represented and is providing effective two-way communication between community and government.

Landscape South Australia support

Landscape South Australia Murraylands and Riverland is providing support for LMRIA via the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board (MRL Board) as outlined below.

Discounted native seedlings for flood-affected landholders

Landholders affected by the 2022–23 River Murray flood can receive 50% discount on the total cost of seedlings, tree guards and stakes ordered in the Trees For Life 2023 Tree Scheme season.

This discount is available for up to 500 seedlings and 500 stakes and guards per property. Tree Scheme orders close 31 August 2023.

See Trees For Life Tree scheme for more information – including order forms with a species list for your area. Else call (08) 8406 0500 or email info@treesforlife.org.au

Post-flood weed support

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board’s district officers provide support to landholders, shack owners and primary producers by helping to identify potential weed species and provide advice about available control options.

Landholders are encouraged to be on the lookout for emerging weeds, including unfamiliar weed species which may have travelled down river via flood waters.

The benefits of this support include:

• free equipment loan
• herbicides
• control services
• advisory services.

To arrange a property visit from a District Officer, contact the Murray Bridge office on (08) 8532 9100.

See Post flood weed support for more information.

Weed warriors of our waterways program

This funding program supports landholders to control these 6 priority aquatic weeds:

• Cacti species such as prickly pear
• African boxthorn
• Boneseed
• Yellow water lily
• Sagittaria
• Dodder.

Funding is available for landholders and community groups to purchase tools and equipment for tackling priority species in local areas. District officers are required to formally identify weeds as a priority weed species and can then work with landholders to determine the most effective plan.

See Weed warriors of our waterways for more information. To arrange a property visit from a District Officer, contact the Murray Bridge office on (08) 8532 9100.

Structural assessments and waste clean-up for flood-affected properties

Disaster Management Australia (DMA) is delivering a large scope of work on behalf of Green Industries South Australia (GISA) under the Flood Waste Clean-up Program. The program provides the following services for program registrants:

• structural assessment of flood-affected structures
• structural hazard reduction (e.g., asbestos and mold)
• removal and disposal of flood-affected waste
• structural demolition
• removal of other waste relocated by the flood
• removal and processing of sandbags.

If you haven't registered your property for any works and would like assistance, please register with GISA by calling 1800 302 787 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. If you have already registered and would like to discuss your support, please contact DMA on 1800 418 491.

Free disposal vouchers for flood-affected materials are available till 31 July 2023 – see Flood disaster waste management for more information.

River vessel waste disposal stations

As of 7 July 2023, all river vessel waste disposal stations (excluding Lock 3) are online and operational. Additional minor repair works will be required across the stations over the next couple of months. This is expected to have a minimal impact on the operational status of the stations.

The Lock 3 river vessel waste disposal station has been out of commission since January 2020 due to a significant infrastructure failure. The nearest alternative waste facility is located at Waikerie. Normal boat waste (domestic or galley waste) can still be deposited at the Lock 3 facility at the present time.

If you have any questions, please contact the DEW Engagement Team: DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au

Access to levees

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.

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 resources for those seeking support.

Financial assistance for farmers

Primary producers who will be experiencing long term loss of income or reduced income may access the Farm household allowance (FHA), which is a payment for up to four years. FHA is income and asset tested. This can also be lodged via a MyGov account linked to Centrelink.

Contact Rural Business Support (RBS) on 1800 836 211 for assistance.

Grants

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.

Key contacts

Department for Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) – Dewatering activities
Tarsha McGregor – Recovery Facilitator
PIRSA Murray Bridge Office, Bremer Rd
Phone: 0428 105 396
Email: tarsha.mcgregor@sa.gov.au

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) – Levee assessment and stabilisation
Birgitte Sorensen 
Phone: (08) 8463 6942
Email: birgitte.sorensen@sa.gov.au

Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) – Community recovery committee
Alex Zimmermann
Phone: 0455 984 411
Email: alex.zimmermann@sa.gov.au

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