Receding flood water in Murray Bridge reveals muddy mess as council prepares to reopen reserves

Flood water is receding but riverfront reserves, boat ramps and roads will be subject to a strict safety inspection regime before they can reopen, the Murray Bridge council warns.

Receding flood water in Murray Bridge has revealed a muddy mess at riverfront reserves as the local council warns roads, playgrounds and boat ramps will be subject to a strict safety inspection regime before they can reopen.

The Rural City of Murray Bridge begin closing public facilities from November in preparation for the high water and now, as the water levels drop, chief executive officer Michael Sedgman is asking the community to be patient as safety work begins.

High river flows peaked at 2.34 metres on Thursday, January 9 in Murray Bridge as the town’s riverfront reserves went under but by February 1 river levels were down by half a metre to 1.84 metres and as the water continues to drop inspections on public facilities will commence.

Murray Bridge council’s city infrastructure manager Jason Vaudin checks out Bertha the Bunyip. Picture: Rural City of Murray Bridge/Facebook

Receding water at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge, reveals a muddy mess. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge/Facebook

So far, the council has reported damage to footpaths from fallen trees at Sturt Reserve, however early inspections of inundated seating and artworks look to have survived the flooding.

And, the famous Bunyip attraction on the banks of the Murray will be subject to a “pamper” before it is back in operation and the reserve reopens.

Mr Sedgman said he understood the community was keen for facilities to be reopened but “assessments of structural integrity for public safety were paramount”.

“All assets and areas that were closed during the high river event remain closed until assessments and any necessary repairs can be undertaken,” he said.

Damage at Sturt Reserve due to the River Murray flood. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge/Facebook

“Public safety remains our top priority and the council has a comprehensive plan to reopen in a staged manner, safely and in line with receding floodwaters.”

Mr Sedgman said qualified experts had already been engaged to inspect and report on the condition of boat ramps and playgrounds.

“We’ve engaged an expert to report on the condition of boat ramps, including underwater sections, and the advice is safety inspections cannot be carried out until water recedes to a near normal level – playgrounds require similar assurances.

Sturt Reserve playground, Murray Bridge. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge