Murray River Floods
Latest Information
The South Australian Government has established a webpage with a range of information and links regarding the Murray River Flood event - www.sa.gov.au/flood.
Call the SA SES River Murray Hotline on 1800 362 361 for River Murray flood information.
Coorong District Council Flood Response
The River Murray experienced flooding in late 2022 and early 2023 as a result of heavy rain and flood events from interstate. Floodwater is now receding, and water levels are dropping rapidly.
Council is part of the Zone Emergency Support Team (ZEST) which connects us with all relevant agencies and neighbouring councils, ensuring timely and accurate information is received and communicated.
In the interest of public safety and the protection of Council-managed infrastructure, preemptive works were undertaken ahead of the flood peak arriving in the Coorong district in January 2023. This included removing some riverfront infrastructure, closing vulnerable public areas due to a risk to public safety, inserting hazard buoys on submerged infrastructure and relocating water extraction infrastructure at Wellington East.
Infrastructure has now been restored to its original condition (pre-flood), and public areas reopened.
The community is encouraged to keep abreast of official information which can be sourced through the State Government's website. Council will continue to share relevant information as it becomes available via this website and social media.
Recovery, Relief & Financial Assistance
The South Australian Government has provided a range of information and resources on the grants, relief packages and support which are currently available to help people and businesses affected by the flooding.
After the Floods - Preparing for Recovery
Anyone in a primary residence, a shack or holiday home, small business, or not-for-profit organisation that has been impacted by floodwater can now register for a free assessment of their property. Help can be provided to take away filled or unfilled used sandbags.
To register for a flood clean-up assessment and recovery assistance, call 1800 302 787. The phone line is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Or visit Green Industries SA to find out more.
Reconnecting Power after Flooding
For residents who may have had power cut off due to flooding, SA Power Networks have developed a fact sheet about the process of reconnecting power after a flood event.
Free Small Business & Rural Financial Counselling
Rural Business Support's business financial counsellors can support small business owners and primary producers to develop recovery/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.
Contact Rural Business Support by calling 1800 836 211 or visit www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au for more information.
Free Legal Help
The Disaster Legal Support Program (DLSP) is delivered by Community Justice Services SA and is the evolution of the Bushfire Community Legal Program. The DLSP provides free legal help and legal education for South Australians living in areas affected by natural disasters.
Services include face to face legal advice (as well as phone and email) and community legal education throughout South Australia.
Find out more by visiting Community Justice Services SA.
Property Valuations
The Valuer-General has legislative powers to amend the value of a property that has been materially diminished by a natural disaster, such as the River Murray flood.
To assist the public and council, the Office of the Valuer-General has released a fact sheet to outline preliminary information on the Valuer-General's role in the flood disaster and how property values will be assessed with regard to the flooding damage.
Department for Environment and Water - River Murray Flood
DEW have set up a dedicated page with the latest information on the River Murray Flood and access to other links and relevant sources.
State Emergency Service
Visit the SES website for up-to-date information and a list of current warnings (with near real-time information on current SA SES warnings, incidents and when available, locations to collect sandbags).
Community meetings hosted by the SA State Emergency Service are being held along the River Murray system. The SES hosted a meeting in Meningie on Friday, 25th November 2022 about River Murray flood, its impacts and how to prepare. The video can still be viewed on the SA SES YouTube Channel.
Daily Flow Reports
This data from SA Water shows flow rates recorded at monitoring stations along the River Murray. Information is updated daily.
River Murray Flow Advice
Weekly reports (released every Friday) contain information about water levels, flow rates and barrage operations as well as any navigation issues and construction activities. The Department for Water & Environment have also released a useful flowchart which shows estimated water levels along the Murray River in comparison to the forecast flow rate. Access the flow chart here.
Flood Study Reports
Flood study reports and interactive mapping for a variety of flood levels can be accessed using this link.
Marine Safety Advice
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport have set up a dedicated page for the River Murray floods and marine safety advice, including links to report marine safety hazards and incidents.