Flood recovery update 5 May 2023

The table in this week's update shows the progress of the State Government's levee assessment and dewatering program.

Levee recovery update

PIRSA and DEW are continuing the process of stabilisation assessments and dewatering of levees in the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area (LMRIA). Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) flights, stability assessments and reports have now been completed at the majority of government-owned levees with dewatering underway at most. Dewatering at Wall Flat is now complete.

Stability works have commenced at Pompoota, Mypolonga and Burdett, with remaining government owned levees scheduled for May 2023.

LiDAR assessments, ground surveys and dewatering are now complete or underway at the majority of the privately owned levees. Once the levee banks have been assessed for stability and bearing capacity, short-term stabilisation works will be undertaken where required.

Considerations for works to be undertaken include the safety of staff and contractors, accessibility (both to and along the levees), integrity of the remaining length of levee and availability of contractors and materials.

Once the areas have dried out and the levees are no longer engaged on both sides, a full condition assessment will be undertaken to determine longer term requirements.

For more information and updates on levee recovery works, see Levees.

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, where DEW usually target an average water level of 0.6 m AHD across Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert. 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.

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee update

The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for 24 May 2023. If you wish to raise any matters with the subcommittee, key contacts are listed below.

Landscape South Australia support

Landscape South Australia Murraylands and Riverland is providing support for LMRIA via the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board (MRL Board):

Free soil management event

In collaboration with Soil Science Australia, the MRL Board is presenting a free session for farmers and primary producers on 1 June 2023, 10 am – 3 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 water levels recede, DEW is recommissioning each waste disposal station when it is deemed safe and possible to do so. The recommissioning process includes regaining safe access to the site, inspecting the infrastructure for any damage, repairing any damaged infrastructure, reinstating equipment, and reconnecting and testing services.

The following River Vessel Waste Disposal Stations are now operational:

• Swan Reach
• Renmark
• Loxton
• Berri
• Waikerie
• Morgan
• Blanchetown
• Walker Flat
• Goolwa.

The remaining stations are awaiting reconnection to services by SA Power Networks. Based on works completed to date, indicative timeframes for recommissioning the remaining stations are as follows:

• Lock 6 – late May 2023*
• Murray Bridge – TBC
• Mannum – TBC

*These times may be subject to change dependent on factors outside DEW’s control including, SA Power Networks, removal of adjacent temporary levee banks (where applicable), and safe road access.

Until the river vessel waste disposal stations can be recommissioned, commercial options remain available for businesses to utilise temporarily, at the houseboat owners or operators’ expense.

Waste clean-up

Do you have old sandbags or other wastes to dispose of? 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

Please be aware that 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.

Family and Business (FaB) mentors are also available as a starting point to access support.

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