Flood recovery update 1 December 2023
Dewatering update
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is pleased to advise that dewatering in all 20 flooded irrigation areas is nearing completion with some minor pump movement being finalised.
This work commenced in March initially under the leadership of the South Australian Dairy Association (SADA) and has involved over 10 different contractors. At the busiest time, April, there were 27 pumps operating across 14 irrigation areas.
We thank all contractors for their flexibility and determination to remove approximately 45 GL of water from the land.
PIRSA also recognises the many landholders who provided critical support to the dewatering process. The use of private infrastructure and the hours spent by landholders monitoring the operations has been an essential part of the program.
PIRSA will continue to work with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) on the levee repair program.
The levee repairs are continuing.
Flood recovery support reminder
Primary Producer Recovery Grants and Irrigation Infrastructure Grants remain open. Applications and guidelines can be found at River Murray flood recovery.
Primary producers are encouraged to make a claim as soon as possible.
Other assistance for producers impacted by the floods is available via the PIRSA website or Relief and financial assistance.
RBS assistance for primary producers
Rural Business Support is assisting primary producers and small agribusinesses impacted by the River Murray flood event.
RBS business financial counsellors can support farmers to develop recovery and continuity action plans, to understand the short- and long-term implications of the flood event and assist them to manage their financial wellbeing as they recover and rebuild.
The RBS Relief Fund is also helping farming families who are doing it tough with Natural Disaster Support Grants of up to $1,500.
If you would like to learn more about how RBS can support you, please contact our Regional Relationship Manager, Sheree Cameron on 0439 349 701 to organise a chat in person.
Support is just a phone call away. Free call 1800 836 211 or see ruralbusinesssupport.org.au for more information.
Free legal support
Disaster Legal Support provides free legal support to South Australians impacted by or at risk of natural disaster.
To find out how they might be able to help, visit the Disaster Legal Support Program or call Jacqui on 1300 850 650.
Levee embankments
Field inspections of the levees continue with reinforcement of levee stabilisation works, where required, being prioritised.
All government-owned levee banks along the Lower Murray from Mannum to Wellington remain closed to public access until further notice. While flood recovery works are being undertaken and until full condition assessments have been completed, recreational activities along the levee banks such as walking, cycling and fishing are not allowed.
Privately-owned levees along the Lower Murray are managed and maintained by private landowners and access to their levee banks is at their discretion. However, access to private levee banks where the department is undertaking flood recovery work is not permitted.
If you have queries about levee stabilisation works or would like to discuss your particular circumstances, please contact Birgitte Sorensen (DEW): Birgitte.Sorensen@sa.gov.au.
For more information and updates on levee recovery works, see Levees.
Women of the LMRIA – last event of 2023
Women of the LMRIA is hosting its final event for 2023 and invite all women in the LMRIA to celebrate with a Christmas morning tea kindly hosted by the Mypolonga History Group.
Tuesday 5 December 2023, 9:30–11:30 am
The Mypolonga Institute
1/19 Green Street, Mypolonga
The event is an opportunity to join together and will explore the art and importance of storytelling in the region.
New attendees and children are very welcome.
Be sure to RSVP for catering purposes to Alexandra Westlake at womenofthelmria@gmail.com.
Wellbeing study
The University of South Australia is leading a study to understand how floods affect farmers' wellbeing and how farmers want to be supported.
To be eligible to take part in the study, you must:
- have been affected by the 2022–2023 floods
- be 18 years or older
- currently own or play an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise in Australia
- be fluent in English.
Participants will be asked to:
- complete a short questionnaire
- participate in a 30 to 60-minute informal interview
- participate in a 30-minute interview one year later to provide an update on how their experiences and preferences may have changed over time.
If you are interested in participating or would like further details, email Associate Professor Kate Gunn at kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au or Dr Chloe Fletcher at chloe.fletcher@unisa.edu.au.
River Murray flow in South Australia
As of 28 November 2023, the flow at the South Australian border is approximately 22 gigalitres per day.
The SA River Murray Flow Report is issued weekly and provides information on flows across the South Australian border, water levels, river infrastructure and impacts to the river. Subscribe to the weekly SA River Murray Flow Report .
Predicted water levels
Current water levels are updated daily
The water level in Lake Alexandrina is approximately 0.83 m AHD and Lake Albert is at approximately 0.69 m AHD.
The Lower Lakes are being managed to target a daily average lake level between 0.75 m AHD to 0.85 m AHD during December 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.
Water Data SA has information on:
The latest flow information is available at Flows and daily water levels.
If you have any questions, please email the DEW Engagement Team: dew.wiocommunications@sa.gov.au.
Meter readings
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.
Once you have been provided with a validation certificate, you are required to notify the DEW of the new meter installation by completing a Water Meter Notification Form.
It is noted that during the period the registers/convertors are removed, that water may need to be taken (for example in the case that the register/convertor has been removed in anticipation of inundation, but that that does not eventuate). The WRWA holder is required to maintain an accurate log of the date of each irrigation event and the volume of water each irrigation event uses.
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.
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 Sorenson – Manager, Levee Recovery
Phone: 0452 291 874
Email: brendan.cowie@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
ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
Phone: 1800 836 211
