Flood recovery update 31 March 2023

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

Dewatering is currently underway across 13 areas with assessments conducted weekly as the circumstances in each LMRIA area change.

Levee recovery update

The Department of Environment and Water (DEW) and PIRSA are continuing the process of stabilisation assessments of levees and dewatering in the Lower Murray reclaimed irrigation areas (LMRIA). LiDAR assessments of government-owned levies are now complete and stability assessments and recommendations are scheduled for completion in the next week.

LiDAR assessments are scheduled to start at the remaining privately-owned levies next week. Once it is deemed safe to do so, DEW will access these levees by foot or light vehicle to undertake on-ground inspections and undertake geophysical testing, where able, to ensure stability of banks for civil earth moving equipment.

Once the levee banks have been assessed and deemed safe for stability and bearing capacity, short-term stabilisation works will be undertaken to enable the dewatering of the land and to provide landowners with access. Considerations for works to be undertaken include the safety of our 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

^{* Mypolonga – Levee stabilisation is required before dewatering can recommence
** Burbridge – Under review}

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.

Restrictions outlined for the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Areas in the Emergency Services (Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Areas) Direction 2023, state that you cannot:

• 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.

Predicted water levels

Water levels around the Lower Lakes are typical for this time of year, where DEW usually aim for water levels to be approximately 0.5–0.6 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 is currently targeting an average water level of 0.6 m AHD across Lake Alexandrina. The water level is currently below this target and barrage gates are being adjusted to reach this target level. Over the coming winter months, the water level around the Lower Lakes will gradually rise to 0.7–0.8 m AHD, as occurs at this time during most years.

The latest flow information is available at Flows and daily water levels or see the weekly River Murray flow report.

If you have any questions, please email the DEW Engagement Team.

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.

LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee establishment

The LMRIA Recovery Subcommittee has now been formed with the first meeting to be held next week. The members of this subcommittee include:

• Irrigation Trust presiding members
• Community representatives
• Government representatives from PIRSA, DEW, SA Water, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

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