Flood recovery update 26 May 2023

The table in this week's update shows the progress of the State Government's levee assessment and dewatering program. Dewatering is now complete at 9 sites; several others are on track for completion by mid-June 2023.

See below for information on grants that are closing soon, structural assessments for flood affected properties, and AgRi-Silience Murraylands workshop.

Levee recovery and dewatering update

PIRSA and DEW are continuing the process of assessments, short-term stabilisation and dewatering of levees in the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area (LMRIA).

LiDAR flights and data have now been completed for all levees, and stability assessments and reports have now been completed for government owned levees. Short-term stability works, where required, to enable dewatering have either commenced or are completed (Wellington to commence by the end of May).

Early planning and revisiting of sites have started for the intermediate stabilisation of levees to support levee function and help protect levees from wind seiche and fluctuating river levels during normal river operations. Once intermediate works are complete and the areas have dried out, a full condition assessment will be undertaken to determine longer term requirements.

The levee summary table reflects short-term stability assessments and works required to enable dewatering to occur.  It does not include assessments or works for intermediate stabilisation.

View more information and updates on levee recovery works.

LMRIA dewatering and levee conditions

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 0.69 m AHD and Lake Albert at approximately 0.77 m AHD. 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.

DEW and SA Water are currently working to maintain an average water level of 0.7 m AHD across Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert until the end of June 2023.

Although this is the target, there will be times when the water levels can be higher or lower than the target. 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.

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.

Meter readings

DEW understands that some customers may be unable to provide current meter readings due to being impacted by the flood event. If you are unable to comply with meter reading requirements or have any related concerns, please contact the DEW Water Licensing at:

• email: DEW.waterlicensingberri@sa.gov.au
• phone: (08) 8595 2053

Grants closing

Applications for the River Murray Business Levee Embankment Construction and Engineering Support Grants will be accepted up to 31 May 2023. The grants are available for works that commenced from 1 October 2022 and completed by 31 January 2023.

Please visit DEW Grants for further information or contact Birgitte Sorensen: birgitte.sorensen@sa.gov.au

Claims for Services Australia disaster relief payments to eligible farmers who have been impacted by the floods can be made up until 29 May 2023. Visit Disaster Recovery Allowance for more information.

All other grants remain open at this time.

River Murray flood impacts survey

PIRSA is working with industry, state and commonwealth agencies to conduct an evaluation of the economic impacts of the 2022–23 flood event. Information collected is confidential and will be used to identify longer-term recovery needs and continue supporting primary production industries with recovery from the flood. Information provided will not impact any financial claims you have made or plan to make.

We understand that not everyone may know the extent of the impact at this stage, we encourage you to do the best you can with the information you have.

It is best complete the survey on a computer than a mobile device.

Take the River Murray flood survey

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee update

The LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee met on 24 May 2023. This committee has been formed to ensure the flood recovery priorities for primary producers are appropriately represented and is providing effective two-way communication between community and government.

The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for 21 June 2023.  If you wish to raise any matters with the subcommittee, key contacts are listed below.

Structural assessments for flood-affected properties

If you require structural assessment and assistance with clean-up, please call 1800 302 787. If you know your client ID or relief centre ID you can quote that number to speed up the process. If not, you will be allocated an ID when you call and you can use that in the future to speed up the process of contacting us about your needs.

If you have already registered and wish to discuss your case, please contact DMA on 1800 418 491.

AgRi-Silience Murraylands workshop

Learn risk management and adaptability as a South Australian grain or livestock business by participating in the upcoming AgRi-Silience workshop. The program provides subsidised access to professionals delivering a mix of dedicated on-farm support and group workshop learning to assist with the development of a resilience roadmap aimed at achieving your business's long-term aspirations. Kindly note that the dates for the AgRi-Silience workshop have been updated as follows:

• 7 June – Workshop 1, day 1
• 14 June – Workshop 1, day 2
• 22 June – Workshop 2

Multiple members of the business are encouraged to participate, with up to 2 members of the business able to participate under the subsidised rate (additional members will be required to pay the full cost of the program to participate).

Visit AgRi-Silience Program to register your interest and for more information.

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.

Free soil management event

In collaboration with Soil Science Australia, the MRL Board is presenting a free session for farmers and primary producers on 8 June 2023 (date has changed), 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. For more information and to register, see Soil management after flood.

The National Water Grid Connections Pathway Program

This funding program focuses on improving water deliverability and accessibility in the LMRIA. Water license holders located in the LMRIA should complete an online expression of interest form, outlining their proposed infrastructure works and how it aligns with the projects aims and intended outcomes.

Expression of interest forms should be submitted by the close of business on 30 June 2023 and the deadline for project works to be completed is October 2023 with the possibility of an extension due to the high river levels.

Landscape Board staff are available to assist landholders with determining eligible project activities and to complete the online expression of Interest form – see Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area Project.

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.

River waste disposal stations

As of 25 May 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.

Murray Bridge may experience a short period of time where it is offline to facilitate a permanent repair to the power supply. Once the dates are confirmed, DEW will ensure that the public is notified prior to the works commencing.

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

Waste clean-up

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.

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 and emotional resources available for people who wish to seek support due to the impact of the River Murray flood disasters.

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.

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

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
Birgitte Sorensen 
Phone: (08) 8463 6942
Email: birgitte.sorensen@sa.gov.au

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