SES issues minor flood warning as Murray River flows continue to rise

LOW lying properties face flooding and roads will be under threat as flows from the Murray River peak in December.

• Special report: The Big Wet — The Murray River Floods of 1956
• Drone footage shows River Murray flowing very full after heavy rains

LOW lying properties face flooding and roads will be under threat as flows from the Murray River peak in December.

The predicted flow of up to 100 gigalitres a day has not been seen since the widespread flooding in 2010.

With movement into SA at currently 55 gigalitres a day, SES has warned that people in low-lying towns such as Morgan, Brenda Park, Scotts Creek, Walker Flat and Bowhill are at risk.

As well as river “shacks”, caravans along the Murray River are also in danger from flooding as the region gears up for the annual holiday rush.

Mid Murray Mayor Dave Burgess said fortunately the flooding was expected before Christmas but it would affect a few low-lying areas.

“It will be a minor number of shacks and some camping areas that could be inconvenienced,” he said.

Mr Burgess said houseboats and recreational boats would still be able to operate, but river users would have to be aware that the current would be stronger than normal.

He hoped the increased flows wouldn’t adversely affect tourists, but instead more people would visit to see the region flourishing.

The Murray River is flowing at its highest levels in a decade.

Mr Burgess said there were lots of environmental benefits, such as increases in birdlife, fish and yabbies and helping to flush out backwaters.

“It’s great for the Murray,” he said. “You don’t get to see it like this very often.”

In February 2011, river flows peaked at 93,800ML a day, which resulted in more than 30 low-lying shacks being inundated and hundreds left without power and sewerage.

SA floodplains were also inundated in 2000. High river flows of 75,700ML a day were seen in 1996, and reached 111,600ML a day in 1993.

The largest Murray flood on record was in 1956, when flow peaked at 340,000ML a day.

Environment Department River Murray water resource operations manager Jarrod Eaton said authorities would continue to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates.

“These high flows offer a great nature-based experience and benefit the environment, but

people must put safety first while still enjoying the river at its best,” Mr Eaton said.

Vessels moored to the riverbank or jetties are likely to be affected by the change in water levels, and houseboats are particularly vulnerable if the bow is tightly secured.

“We encourage vessel owners to regularly check their vessel and adjust lines to prevent

damage to the vessel and adjacent structures,” he said.

The high flow could flood roads, national parks and reserves on the floodplain, and Riverland locals and visitors are advised to check with the local council for trip advice, SES for flooding advice and for national park information visit the website.

Shack owners from Cadell to Mannum should follow their Emergency Flood Plan now.

— Prepare your family and property for flooding in these areas.

— Move items of value to a safe place.

— Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater, including water affected causeways.

— Be aware that large debris may be carried downstream and may pose a hazard to water based activities.

— Stay away from the banks, if travelling on the water, to avoid submerged structures such as jetties and benches.

— Regularly monitor river levels in your local area to avoid becoming isolated by floodwaters.

— Camp on higher ground away from the river bank.

For SES assistance during a flood phone 132 500. If the matter is life threatening call triple-0.