18/11/2022
Community Update RIVER MURRAY FLOOD
- Flows -
The flow at the South Australian border is approximately 108 GL/day today and is forecast to increase to around 125 GL/day over the coming week.
There is a high probability that the flow will reach a peak of at least 175 GL/day in early December 2022. There is a moderate probability that the flow will reach a peak of 200 GL/day. There is a lower probability that the flow will reach a peak of 220 GL/day.
Due to increased river level predictions, we will now be referring to the River Murray "high flow" event as a "flood" event.
- In the water -
The force of the current, submerged objects such as jetties and trees, and floating debris, will all present a risk to your safety.
If you are operating a vessel on the water, you should keep your speed low to avoid creating significant waves that may cause damage to riverbanks and levees.
As River levels rise, all river users, including houseboat users and irrigators, should check water levels regularly and make daily adjustments.
- Roads -
Some road and ferry closures are expected to close in the next week due to rising River Murray water levels.
Conditions can change quickly and roads may have to close at short notice. Locals and river-goers are reminded not to swim, ride, walk or drive through high flow waterways.
Please check www.traffic.sa.gov.au for the latest road closure information.
For more information on current impacts, visit the Department for Infrastructure and Transport website https://dit.sa.gov.au and search for the “Update on road and ferry closures”.
- Locks -
As flow to South Australia continues to rise, the Department of Environment and Water are preparing to decommission river vessel waste disposal stations below Lock 1 to Murray Bridge from Monday 21 November 2022. All river vessel waste disposal stations above Lock 1 are already offline.
- Flooding -
As River Murray flow rates and water levels continue to increase over the coming weeks, flooding of some properties on the floodplain is expected. For information on sandbag availability, please visit the SASES website.
Rising river levels are starting to impact infrastructure such as ferries, boat ramps, irrigation, and power along the river.
- Shacks -
Shacks may become isolated before being flooded. If you are leaving your shack, please take care and do so in a safe manner—stay safe by never driving through floodwater.
Ensure all electricity has been turned off at the switchboard, if safe to do so. Turn off the gas supply, including bottled gas, and remove gas bottles from the property where possible.
Check the 'How to prepare your shack fact sheet' on the SASES website for further information on preparing your shack for flooding.
- Relief -
Relief centres: provide short-term shelter, information and personal support services such as food and temporary accommodation for those unable to make their own arrangements.
Housing SA have a Relief Information Line (1800 302 787). Call this number to register impacted community members or for general relief information as the River Murray flooding progresses.
- Upcoming SASES Sandbag Events -
Five community sandbagging events will be held 9am-3pm on the following dates - November Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20 and Monday 21 at the following locations.
Glossop, Old Glossop High School, 535 Old Sturt Highway
Blanchetown, Blanchetown Sports Club, entry via Onslow Terrace
Murray Bridge, Murray Bridge Showgrounds, 113 Old Princes Highway
Mannum, Mannum Football Club, 45 North Terrace
Bowhill, Bowhill Community Centre, 88 Weber Rd
- Upcoming SASES Community meetings -
Shack Owners Community Meeting – Tues 22 Nov, 6:30pm Norwood Town Hall, 175a The Parade, Norwood
Meningie Community Meeting- Fri 25 Nov, 6 pm Meningie School Hall, 1 North Terrace, Meningie
Goolwa Community Meeting - Sat 26 Nov, 1pm
Centenary Hall, 14 Cadell Street, Goolwa
A River Murray Flood Mapping Tool is now available on the SASES website. People with properties along the River Murray in South Australia can use this tool to check if their properties may be impacted at the examples of 160GL and 200GL flow rates.
For SASES information related to the River Murray flood including the River Murray Flood Mapping Tool visit www.ses.sa.gov.au/rivermurray
Visit the SA Government website for links to further information on the River Murray Flood www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/river-murray-flood
- Stay informed -
* Check the SES website at www.ses.sa.gov.au
* Monitor local conditions and tune in to your local ABC on a battery-powered radio for updates
* Call the SA Emergency infoline on 1800 362 361
* People who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, can contact the SA Emergency infoline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 727 (TTY users 1800 555 677)
* Follow the SES on Twitter () or Facebook (SA State Emergency Service)
* For weather warnings and forecasts visit www.bom.gov.au
* For SES assistance phone 132 500. If the matter is life-threatening call 000 (triple zero).
Message Name: River_Murray_Update_18_11_2022
This message is valid from: 18/11/2022 17:00:00
This message is valid until: 25/11/2022 16:00:00
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