Houseboats, swimming, kayaking to return to upstream River Murray

Further rules surrounding water activities in the upper reaches of the River Murray in SA have been eased, as flood recovery enters the next phase. Here’s everything you need to know.

Restrictions to recreational water activities have been further reduced, with houseboats, swimming and kayaking able to return to the upper reaches of the River Murray in South Australia.

The relaxation of rules applies to areas of the Murray from the SA border to Renmark.

Houseboats in that area can now operate but must not exceed a speed of 10 knots or 4 knots between sunset or sunrise, and cannot tow a person from the vessel. Other recreational motorised boating was eased in mid January.

Swimming, diving and non-motorised boats can also return to that section of the river but people must not go within 250m of a lock or weir. People in or on a flood plain must not go within 50m of an overhead powerline.

Restrictions around Ral Ral Bridge and Paringa Bridge have also been removed.

Houseboats, swimming and kayaking is now permitted in Zone A. Picture: Namoi Jellicoe

Motorised boats excluding houseboats can return to the section of the river between Lock 1, at Blanchetown and Lock 2 near Waikerie but must not exceed a speed of 10 knots or tow a person. Fishing is permitted from the boat. Restrictions preventing boating upstream of Lock 2 were lifted last month.

Boaties must also not exceed a speed of 4 knots within 250m of an engaged levee or travel within 250m of partially or fully submerged dwellings or buildings. Non-motorised boats, swimming and diving remain banned below Lock 2 unless to access a permitted purpose including work, food or medical assistance.

Anyone boating on the river in a vessel up to 12 metres in length must still wear a life jacket equivalent to a level 50 standard or above.

There are no changes to restrictions remain downstream of Blanchetown.

The state government has split the river system into zones in a staged effort to return recreational activities to the water safely.

As water levels continue to recede, the State Emergency Service has updated a number of warnings along river.

The original Upper River Murray warning that extended from the SA and Victorian border to Lock 1 at Blanchetown has been split into two due to fall of river level heights.

The Upper River Murray warning, which now extends from the SA and Victorian border to Overland Corner, has been reduced to an ‘Advice Reduced Threat’ message.

A new Mid River Murray warning, between Overland Corner to Lock 1 at Blanchetown and the Lower River Murray warning remain at a ‘Watch and Act’ message.

An ‘All Clear Advice’ message has been issued for the Riverbend Caravan Park.

Water flowing back into Lake Bonney from the River Murray.

On Thursday afternoon, an emergency management direction for Lake Bonney in the Riverland was also revoked.

The restrictions previously prohibited a person on or in the River Murray to go within 500m of the Morgan Rd Bridge.

Earlier this week, temporary inlet closures were removed at the lake.

The closure, put in place on December 2 last year, caused the lake to be closed due to blue green algae making the water toxic. The barrier ensured the protection of properties, businesses, community waste management systems and storm water infrastructure located in Barmera.

Meanwhile, crews have begun to dismantle a controversial levee constructed along the main street of Mannum.

Levee on the main street in Mannum on December 15th, 2022. Picture: Tom Huntley

Works began to remove the 500m state government funded levee on Thursday morning, according to 7NEWS.

The structure raised eyebrows last November when plans revealed the line of defence would not protect all properties along the strip from flood waters.

But Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey said the levee “kept the main street running for longer had the water been on the road”.

Flood recovery co-ordinator Alex Zimmerman said the exact number of homes and shacks damaged is still being assessed, but the total is estimated to be around 4000.

“It’s highly likely that there’ll be a large number of premises that will require to be demolished precisely because they been inundated totally for a long time,” he explained.

“And it’s not only the inundation, but it’s the flow rate that’s been happening during that period.”

Mr Zimmerman explained many of the homes are still too unsafe to access due to high river levels and damaged roads.