The Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, The Hon. Joe Szkacs MP, Minister for Emergency Services (SA), Joiny Media Release, 15 December 2022

Today’s River Murray flow update shows the floodwater peak is still due in Renmark around the end of December and forecasts remain between 190 and 220 gigalitres a day, consistent with previous projections.

While flow rates are useful for forecasting the scale of floods, water heights provide a better picture of conditions on the ground. Subsequently, as we are now closer to the expected peak, the Department for Environment and Water is now able to provide daily height forecasts for population centres.

As the peak moves closer to the South Australian border, DEW is now in a better position to forecast when peak water levels are expected to arrive at different locations along the river and this information will be made available www.sa.gov.au

Effective from today, the peak is expected in Renmark between 24-31 December, in Berri between 25 December and 5 January, in Waikerie between 1-12 January, in Swan Reach between 5-16 January and Murray Bridge between 6-17 January.

River communities should consider this as part of their flood emergency preparedness and factor in potential road and ferry closures, disruptions to the power network and reduced services.

Overnight, the SES issued an emergency message for Walker Flat after floodwaters threatened to isolate the town. There are also current Watch and Act message for Caurnamont, Purnong and Bowhill.

More than 1100 properties throughout the Riverland have so far been inundated with this figure expected to rise to 4000 when the River is expected to peak in late December.

The SES estimates 255 businesses, and 4000 hectares of agricultural production will be impacted by the end of December.

On Monday, ferries at Morgan and Swan Reach were closed while the Walker Flat ferry will close at 7pm tonight. Ferries at Lyrup, Morgan, Swan Reach and Mannum (upstream and downstream) are also closed.

Alternative river crossings for the Swan Reach ferry are Murray Bridge (downstream) and Blanchetown Bridge (upstream). For the Morgan ferry, the alternative river crossings are the Cadell ferry (upstream) and the Blanchetown Bridge (downstream).

The SA Housing Authority has established Emergency Relief Centres in Berri and Mannum where the public can access information and apply for various forms of support, including financial relief and emergency accommodation. People can call the Relief Information line on 1800 302 787 seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

More than 22,000 bed nights of accommodation in River Murray communities have been booked by the State Government which can be used to provide short-term emergency housing for flood affected residents who have nowhere else to stay.

The government has committed $1.2 million to pre-book emergency accommodation through its Short-Term Emergency Accommodation Plan, providing up to 500 beds on a given night in a variety of types and locations to match expected demand as water levels rise.

The Malinauskas government announced an initial  $51.6 million financial assistance package for River Murray communities, households and businesses who will be affected by large-scale flooding.

This includes one-off Personal Hardship Emergency Grants of $400 for an individual, or up to $1000 for a family for those displaced from their homes, rental assistance, grants for generator purchase and Early Business Closure grants of up to $20,000.

Further details on the assistance and how to access it can be found at sa.gov.au/floods

The Commonwealth Government has also activated Disaster Recovery Allowance for workers who have lost income as a result of the floods. Further information can be found at servicesaustralia.gov.au/support-for-people-affected-south-australian-floods-november-2022

People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call River Murray hotline on 1800 362 361 anytime. 

Blackwater events in South Australia are still a likelihood and any fish kills observed in the wild should be reported to the FISHWATCH 24-hour hotline on 1800 065 522.

High flow maps, updated FAQs and new estimated arrival charts are available on the DEW website here. 

Quotes attributable to Peter Malinauskas 

Riverland and Murraylands communities, working hand in glove with government and private contractors, have done a remarkable job in preparing for this once 50 year event.

I know the anxiety levels within communities is rising in unison with the river but I urge people to try and keep calm and follow the advice.

Quotes attributable to Joe Szakacs 

As we get closer to the peak, and more properties are inundated, I urge people to follow the SASES advice and to remain vigilant.

As authorities are now able to project more definitely peaks in towns across the system, I remind communities to heed the advice of the SASES and continue to seek advice from trusted sources.

Preparation is key for all involved. Have a plan and be ready to leave.

Quotes attributable to SA SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie

Last night the SES issued an Evacuate Now Warning for the Walker Flat community due to impacts on parts of Angas Valley and Rob Loxton roads and imminent isolation of the community for road vehicles.

Further Watch and Act – Prepare to Evacuate warnings were issues for communities of Caurnamont, Purnong and Bowhill. River-level rises over the coming days may result in properties becoming flooded or isolated, potentially trapping people without water, power and other essential services.

People in these areas should prepare to evacuate and make plans to stay with family, friends or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding.

Related story: SA River Murray update