River Murray highest in six years with more water to come

The River Murray is in ‘full flow’, swelling to its highest level in six years and predictions of more to come – with the ‘rare sight’ of one lock at almost level on both sides.

Flows in the River Murray will continue to climb for another month before peaking – but experts believe more rain in the eastern states could result in levels climbing again into the new year.

The Mid-Murray Council has already issued warnings to shack owners near Morgan about the possibility of flooding. Some roads have already been closed with more likely.

The SES has also issued a flood warning to shack owners between Cadell and Mannum. As well, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed several camp sites along the river.

“The water coming will affect a few camp spots, access to a few shack areas will be cut off and some of the sewer systems will be shut down because of the high water,’’ Mayor Dave Burgess said.

He said only minor damage was expected and most shacks in the area were designed to cope with flooding. He also said the rising water level should not discourage people from visiting the area.

“People who haven’t seen the Murray in full flow should drive up and down. There are some beautiful lookouts,”' Mr Burgess said.

“When you get to Blanchetown, lock one is almost level on both sides, which is a very rare sight to see.’’

The River Murray in full flow near Murray Bridge on Saturday. Picture: Ally Keane

On Friday, the Department for Environment and Water said the flow of water at the South Australian-Victorian border had reached 56 gigalitres a day.

By next Friday, it is expected to reach 62GL a day, with predictions it will rise too 75-80GL a day by late this month or early November.

The department’s manager of water delivery, Chrissie Bloss, said it was the highest the Murray had been since 2016 when flows reached 95GL.

Ms Bloss said flood plains were receiving a much-needed boost and would be a boon for wildlife and vegetation.

She said the water coming down the system was a result of heavy rain in the eastern states in August. With more rain predicted, it was possible there could be ongoing “pulsing’’ in the Murray, where levels rise and fall, into next year.

Lock One on the River Murray where the water level is at 0.8 of a metre below sea level.

Ms Bloss also said that with the Bureau of Meteorology calling a La Nina event – which means higher-than-expected rain – and with many interstate dams and water storages at capacity, more water was likely to come down the river.

“We can’t say that there will be a flood but that’s obviously something we’re keeping an eye on,’’ she said.

SES regional operations co-ordinator Stefanie Zakrzewski urged boaties to take extra care on the river, which was now flowing at a faster rate.

“I guess want we want to stress is that although those flows are increasing, it’s still a really fabulous place for people to be able to go during the school holidays,’’ she said.

“We would just ask that people maintain their awareness.

“If you’re going to be operating a vessel on the river, just be mindful of your own limitations and what the flows in the river are doing. Look for submerged objects and be conscious about where you’re mooring vessels.’’