SA opposition urges Murray restriction trigger point as two levees breached with more expected to follow

The SASES has warned “many agricultural levees are failing” and more are expected to potentially fail. It comes as the state opposition calls for a plan to end some restrictions on the river.

Several levees downstream from Blanchetown have either been breached or overtopped as peak levels reach many riverland towns.

The South Australian State Emergency Service published a community update on Monday night outlining the compromised levees.

The affected levees listed are Mypolonga, Toora, Mobilong, Cowirra, Wall Flat, Long Island and Long Flat.

A post by the SASES said: “we have observed that many of these agricultural levees are failing as the water overtops and the time between overtopping and levee failure varies.”

It also stated that more levees are expected to overtop and potentially fail as the peak makes it’s way downstream.

The public is urged to contact the SASES if they see any defects or are concerned about levees.

This comes as water started flowing into Swanport, near Murray Bridge, after two levees were breached but the emergency services say no homes are likely to be affected.

In a community update this afternoon, the SES has advised the Long Island and Swanport levees, either side of the Swanport Bridge, have been breached.

Water is flowing behind the levees and may impact Bott Lane, with residents and visitors reminded never to drive through flood water.

It comes as the state opposition has asked the government for more clarity surrounding the easing of recreational Murray River activities as Riverland towns reach peak flow.

Opposition leader David Speirs MP at the Riverland on November 21st, 2022. Picture: David Speirs MP

The government has been unclear on when a ban will be lifted on recreational activities on the River Murray, which came into effect from December 20, the state opposition has said.

“The ban on recreational activities as well as the shambolic way in which they were communicated have had a significant social and economic impact on a region already hurting,” state opposition leader David Speirs said.

He has called for a specific point at which bans and restrictions should be removed following the peak of the flooding.

“The Malinauskas Labor Government must nominate a specific flow level that acts as a trigger point for when these restrictions can be lifted – even if it’s done bit by bit as peak water levels travel down the river,” Mr Speirs said.

Yet the government has maintained that while restrictions do impact communities and will gradually be removed, public safety is the main concern.

“The restrictions on recreational aquatic activity on the River Murray are necessary to ensure public safety, to ensure the integrity of levee banks, and to keep as many properties connected to the power grid as possible,” a government spokesperson said.

“However, the government recognises the imposition these restrictions place on communities.”

A plan for lifting restrictions on aquatic activities on the river is in the works, the government spokesperson said.

“The Premier announced on Thursday that the State Emergency Centre had been instructed to develop a framework for the gradual lifting of restrictions as peak flows and risks subside.

“The State Emergency Service, SAPOL and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport are currently developing that framework.”

Water has risen to the levee built at Big 4 Holiday Park in Renmark, Saturday, Dec 3, 2022. (The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette)

Businesses in the region have been crying out for light at the end of the tunnel on the crippling restrictions, the Murray tourism body leader said.

Destination Riverland chair Markos Stavrou said tourism operators have been struggling during the flooding and want answers.

“A lot of tourist operators are quite worried about how long the restrictions are going to impact their income producing activities,” Mr Stavrou said.

He said that while safety is important, restrictions on some activities should be eased.

“Safety is still paramount but I would like to see more boating and fishing opportunities being allowed, especially in backwaters because they’re less dangerous.”

But feedback from some Riverland communities, who will see peak levels at different times across the region, has shown that easing restrictions is a contentious topic.

Mayor of Mid Murray Council Simone Bailey said residents wanted restrictions on water activities even before they were introduced in December.

“I had about 10 residents advocating for recreational activities to stop in October,” Ms Bailey said.

“They’ve got damage to their houses so wake could cause further damage.”

Current government estimates indicate that Loxton is experiencing peak flood levels with Waikerie and Mannum set to follow in the first half of January.

On Monday night the SASES said peak levels are expected to hit Waikerie and Morgan between now and January 7.

Peaks are expected between January 4 and 13 at Blanchetown, Swan Reach and Mannum.