River Murray peak flow projections increase to at least 150GL a day

More than 1000 shacks and homes along the Murray River could flood, as peak flow predictions jump – but there may be monetary relief for business owners soon.

More than 1000 shacks and homes along the Murray could be inundated, as River Murray peak flow projections increase to at least 150GL a day.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, who is visiting Renmark today alongside Deputy Premier Susan Close and Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs, increased the estimation above the 135GL a day predicted last week.

He said there was now a “moderate possibility” of peak flows of 165GL per day, and a “low probability” of flows reaching 180GL a day.

The increase in predictions is due to water levels at the Wakool Junction in NSW rising earlier and faster than previous models indicated.

Mr Malinauskas urged Riverland communities to plan and prepare for the higher peak due to uncertainties in flow forecasting.

Houseboat owner Eddie near Loxton. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Premier Peter Malinauskas has travelled to Renmark to support flood preparation. Picture: Todd Lewis

“These flow predictions are a concern for river communities and people need to be prepared for increasing rises in river levels,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“I urge people to keep informed through the SES website so they can prepare and give themselves the best possible chance to get through this difficult period.”

The SES said more than 1000 homes and shacks were now at risk of flooding.

The risk of a blackwater event, where oxygen is depleted in the water, has also increased and some isolated fish deaths have already been reported upstream.

Large-bodied native fish such as Murray cod are particularly vulnerable, and people are asked to report any fish deaths to the FISHWATCH 24-hour hotline.

Mr Malinauskas will meet with the local council during his visit, along with struggling tourism operators.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, Mr Malinauskas told ABC Radio the government was “examining our options about an appropriate package to provide support”.

“For those people that are affected, particularly tourist operators, that’s where we’re turning our minds to first and foremost,” he said.

“We are planning to have a package together with hopefully we can announce by the end of next week.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas (right) with Rob Hughes from River Murray Houseboats in Renmark. Picture: NCA NewsWire

It comes as flood waters have inundated parts of nearby Loxton and a Riverland trade association called on the state government to help support struggling local companies who have been hurt by the rising levels in the River Murray.

Renmark Paringa Network chairman Clint Lewan said some small businesses in the area had been forced to stop trading because of the swollen river levels, while others had been hit by falling numbers of tourists.

Mr Lewan said support packages such as those offered during the Covid crisis should be offered to the flood-hit businesses.

“I definitely want to take the opportunity to call on the state government … to actually perhaps think about coming up with a support package because these businesses have already been through a horrible time with Covid,’’ he said.

Mr Malinauskas also spoke about funding put forward to restore levees deemed “not fit for purpose”, among other areas of concern in the region.

“We’ve committed $3m upfront and if there is a requirement for more money then of course then we’ll be tipping in more resources, including additional cash,” he told ABC Radio.

“They are making good progress... I’m told that four to six sections have been completed in terms of the levy work and there’s probably about another 12 to go.”

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Mr Malinauskas added the river can still be enjoyed, but advised South Australians to execute an appropriate degree of caution and due care.

“Yes, there’ll be rising waters; yes, that will affect a number of properties; yes, we have a lot of work to do to mitigate the risks associated with that... but in terms of people enjoying the river, the advice remains the same,” he said.

Flood maps released by the Department of Environment and Water show areas likely to go underwater in three scenarios – a flow of 120GL/day, 140GL and 160GL.

The maps reveal that shack owners at several popular towns including Morgan, Blanchetown, Swan Reach and Mannum will bear the brunt of the damage.

Many shack properties will be flooded when the level reaches the department’s initial ‘conservative’ estimate flow of 120GL a day, more will go under if the flow reaches 140GL a day, and even more at 160GL/day.

There have been four major flooding events in the past century, in 1931, 1956, 1973 and 1974.

The 1956 flood, the largest River Murray flood on record, peaked at 341GL/day.

A dedicated River Murray hotline – 1800 362 361 – is available from 8.30am to 5pm if there are any questions about the high flows.