Flood recovery update 9 June 2023

Structural assessments and waste clean-up for flood-affected properties

Disaster Management Australia (DMA) is delivering a large scope of work on behalf of Green Industries South Australia (GISA) under the Flood Waste Clean-up Program. The program provides the following services for program registrants:

• Structural assessment of flood-affected structures
• Structural hazard reduction (e.g., asbestos and mold)
• Removal and disposal of flood-affected waste
• Structural demolition
• Removal of other waste relocated by the flood
• Removal and processing of sandbags.

Disaster Management Australia is progressing with site assessments for flood-affected structures, with over 400 free assessments completed. Site assessment reports are being issued to registrants, and demolition work will commence in the coming weeks. If you still require a site assessment, please contact us using the Disaster Management Australia number provided below.

Kerbside collection of flood-affected waste will continue according to demand. For registrants who may require on-property collection, especially when relocation to a kerb or roadside is impractical, extended collection can be arranged for eligible registrants by contacting Disaster Management Australia at the number listed below.

Disaster Relief Australia volunteers are providing assistance to eligible members of the community who are unable to conduct clean-up themselves. This support will continue for several weeks.

The demand for sandbag removal and processing has reduced but will continue as long as there is a demand from registrants. If you have sandbags that need to be included in the collection, please ensure that you have informed Disaster Management Australia. For updates on your sandbag collection, please contact us using the Disaster Management Australia number below.

If you haven't registered your property for any works and would like assistance, please register with GISA at 1800 302 787 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. If you have already registered and would like to discuss your support, please contact Disaster Management Australia at 1800 418 491.

Free disposal vouchers for flood-affected materials are available till 30 June 2023 – see Flood disaster waste management for more information.

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. DEW is currently working with the LiDAR surveyors to develop LiDAR profiles for each levee which can then be provided to landholders. Short-term stability works, where required, to enable dewatering have either commenced or are complete.

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.

For more information and updates, see Levees.

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.

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 0.65 m AHD and Lake Albert at approximately 0.67 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. 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 team at:

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

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.

Take the River Murray flood survey

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee update

The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for 21 June 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. 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) as outlined below.

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 vessel waste disposal stations

As of 9 June 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

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.

Contact 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

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 Sorensen 
Phone: (08) 8463 6942
Email: birgitte.sorensen@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 
Email: ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
Phone: 1800 836 211