Murray Bridge businesses prepare to open for the first time since the historic flood

Businesses are starting to bounce back in Murray Bridge as flood water recedes and access is improved to a popular river reserve in the heart of town.

Life is slowly returning to normal for flood-affected businesses in Murray Bridge as they prepare to open their doors for the first time since the historic high-water event.

Access to the popular Sturt Reserve in central Murray Bridge has improved as the local council continues to engage in its flood recovery plan and, with power now back on in the area, traders are back in action from this week.

Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge, December 2022. Picture: Facebook

In December, Sturt Reserve businesses were forced to shut their doors as the power was switched off and defence cell technology sand-filled blocks were constructed to form a levee bank to protect the 1924 River Tavern, the Murray Bridge Community Club and Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre.

However, with water levels dropping, the Murray Bridge Community Club will re-open its sports bar from 8am tomorrow.

The neighbouring River Tavern confirmed it now had its sewage, water, gas and power turned back on and the restaurant will re-open from Friday, February 24 at lunch time.

Rural City of Murray Bridge chief executive officer Michael Sedgman said council staff had been busy cleaning up as floodwaters dropped – mowing, removing fallen trees and debris from footpaths and roads, while inspections were undertaken.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while we carry out the necessary risk assessments, clean up and repair flood impacted sites to ensure public safety,” he said.

Murray Bridge Club, December 2022. Picture: Facebook

“As promised, we are restoring access to Sturt Reserve and businesses that operate there as soon as possible, in a staged manner in line with receding floodwaters.

“Business owners and contractors now have access to allow them to prepare for reopening and I would encourage our community to get behind them and show their support once the doors open.”

Management from the Murray Bridge Community Club took to social media to confirm it was ready to reopen after weeks out of operation.

“A huge thank you to the team at the Rural City of Murray Bridge for their assistance during the recent flood event, and even more so for the efforts in the clean-up in the past week or so,” the statement said.

“The difference is outstanding from what the Sturt reserve area looked like even just a week ago.”

The Murray Bridge council confirmed Olympic Drive, Sturt Reserve Road from Olympic Drive to Jaensch Road, Wharf Road and the wharf car park were now open for public access.

However, the wharf and immediate surrounding area remains closed, along with a large downstream portion of Sturt Reserve.

Barriers remain in place to prevent access to areas that have not yet been cleared for public safety, and some river restrictions for Zone F remain in place in Murray Bridge.