Premier announces compensation for Riverland flood victims as debate over the availability of sandbags ensues

More than 4000 Riverland residents could be without power for weeks, as emergency services brace for a record flood event with up to 175GL per day in the first week of December.

Up to 4000 River Murray residents could be without power for weeks as the region braces for a record flood event.

Predicted water flows around Renmark have been revised up to 175GL per day for the first week of December, with emergency services racing against time to prepare the Riverland’s levee system for the huge influx of water.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said between 3500 and 4000 properties would be affected by the rising water flows.

He has announced a compensation package for those affected by flooding, with details to be revealed next Tuesday.

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In an unprecedented move, a recovery co-ordinator will also be appointed to manage the recovery task.

“This is an unusual situation, we know the water is coming and we know there will be a recovery needed after that fact,” Mr Malinauskas said on Thursday.

SA Power Networks has warned 3000 customers are predicted to be without power if water levels reach 165GL per day. That number would increase to 4000 if levels reached 200GL per day.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said that some residents would get notice of power outages.

“SA Power Networks will disconnect as they go on the basis of the threat … but we will attempt to try and give people as much notice as possible,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

The state government has also been in active discussions with the Mannum community to assess the status of the levees in and around the town – with peak flows predicted to hit in mid-late December.

“That 175GL figure is still below that critical number of 210GL per day, which we know is significant in the context of the levees around Renmark,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“The levee around Renmark … is built to go to 210GL per day. But nonetheless, 175GL takes us closer to that effort.”

Five sandbag distribution centres have been set up in the Riverland, with 200,000 sandbags expected to arrive across the next fortnight and another 500,000 on order after that.

Liberal MP for Chaffey, Tim Whetstone, whose electorate encompasses the Riverland, hit back at claims on Thursday that residents have been unable to access sandbags.

Premier Peter Malinauskas pictured during a tour of the Riverland. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Those affected by flooding in the Riverland are expected to receive compensation. Picture: Dean Martin

But Mr Malinauskas reiterated that sandbags were available for collection should people need them.

State Emergency Service CEO Chris Beattie said community meetings had been held with Murray Bridge and Waikerie residents.

Further meetings have also been planned in coming weeks for Adelaide-based shack owners, Meningie and Goolwa residents.

Temporary flood barriers will be deployed early next week, with residents urged to check the SES website for updates on flood waters.

Bookpurnong Rd is expected to close between Berri and Kemp Rd within the next week. Mr Koutsantonis said all 11 River Murray ferries would remain open at this stage, but works were required to ensure the Waikerie Ferry could operate should water levels rise above 9.2m.