Flood recovery update 27 October 2023
Expression of interest – LMRIA fencing reinstatement
A reminder that Friday 27 October is the last day to register an expression of interest in a fencing reinstatement program. The Recovery Program is looking to gauge the level of interest in a coordinated support program to assist in the reinstatement of fencing impacted by the 2022–2023 River Murray flood. If enough interest is registered we will explore if there is an opportunity for a coordinated program within the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area. Participating landholders will need to supply all fencing materials. Labour to complete the reinstatement of fencing will be provided by volunteers supported by experienced supervisors.
Please indicate your interest for support by close of business Friday 27 October by contacting Deb Richardson via email: deb.richardson@sa.gov.au.
Overtopped levee update
Early last month, seven levees in the LMRIA were impacted by wind seiche raising water levels by 400 mm to 50 0mm in under 24 hours.
Two government-owned levees at Pompoota and Long Flat, and four privately-owned levees at Kilsby, Westbrook, Toora and Glen Lossie, overtopped, while a privately-owned levee at Placid was breached following overtopping.
Emergency stabilisation works to stop overtopping as well as further reinforcement works were undertaken where required at Kilsby, Westbrook, Toora, Glen Lossie, Pompoota and Long Flat. Works to disconnect the Placid levee from the river have been completed.
Further dewatering requirements are being assessed by PIRSA and additional pumps deployed where necessary.
Field inspections of LMRIA levees continue with reinforcement of levee stabilisation works, where required, being prioritised.
Dewatering update
Dewatering is complete in 18 of the 20 impacted areas.
The Department of Environment and Water (DEW) has disconnected the reclaimed irrigation area Placid from the river and the Department for Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has begun dewatering this area.
Dewatering also continues at Wellington.
RBS support 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.
Removal of red gum seedlings from levee banks
Since the receding of flood waters, there has been a rise in the number of red, blue and box gum seedlings. While this is an advantageous event for plant diversity on the flood plain, some seedlings have come up in inappropriate places, such as levees and irrigation bays; this can cause structural issues to irrigation infrastructure if neglected.
Where possible, we encourage these seedlings to be transplanted. If the seedlings have grown above 15cm in height, there is limited value in attempting to transplant the sapling as there is a high risk of damage to the tap root during removal meaning survival rates would be low.
For chemical control of more established saplings the following options are suggested:
- Cut and swab to ground level with Weedmaster Duo as instructed on the label.
- Foliar spray with Weedmaster Duo as instructed on the label without any penetrant or surfactant as this is toxic to aquatic organisms and will contaminate water supplies.
- Hand pulling or grubbing. Eucalyptus species develop a lignotuber (energy source between the trunk or stem and roots) just below the soil surface and therefore cutting or grubbing the plant out below the lignotuber will likely prevent further regrowth or coppicing.
For further information, please contact your District Officer or the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board on 08 8532 9100.
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.
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.
River Murray flow in South Australia
As of 26 October 2023, the flow at the South Australian border is approximately 28 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 0.81 m AHD and Lake Albert is at approximately 0.79 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 October 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.
Report a marine safety concern
If you notice any hazards in the waterways such as debris, please report to Marine Safety SA by phoning (08) 8248 3505 or call on radio channel 12.
You can also provide full details including images at Report a marine safety concern.
Support
Support for producers impacted by the floods includes grants and financial assistance, technical assistance and mental health and wellbeing support. See River Murray flood assistance for more information.
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
Brendan Cowie
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
