Flood recovery update 24 March 2023

Progress of the State Government’s levee assessment and dewatering program is detailed in the table included in this week's update.

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

LMRIA dewatering and levee conditions

^{* Mypolonga – Levee stabilisation is required before dewatering can recommence.}

Levee safety

Engaged levee banks along the Lower Murray from Mannum to Wellington currently remain closed in accordance with Emergency Services (Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Areas) Direction 2023 which came into effect on 3 March 2023.

DEW is unable to guarantee the integrity of levees following the flood event. Any Local Irrigation Trust members and contractors accessing the levees for works are encouraged to take all necessary precautions when working on the levees, particularly during or following wet weather.

Further information on the stabilisation of levee banks in the LMRIA can be found on the DEW website.

LiDAR

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to create 3D models of surfaces. It is used for levee breach assessments to provide accurate and detailed topographic information for flood risk analysis. In regard to levee condition assessments, mapping data collected via aerial surveys is used to assess initial damage to levies from flood waters.

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee establishment

Nominations to the LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee have now closed. Thank you to those community members who have put themselves forward.

Terms of reference for this subcommittee are being finalised and membership will be confirmed shortly. The first meeting of this subcommittee is being planned for early April.

The LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee will ensure the flood recovery priorities for primary producers are appropriately represented and will have majority community membership. It will provide a formal connection to the state recovery arrangements and ensure effective two-way communication between community and government during the delivery of the levee stabilisation and dewatering program.

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