Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer

The Riverland’s State MP says a report into the 2022/23 Murray River flood response shows preparations for the emergency “fell short” of what was necessary.

The final report of the Select Committee into the River Murray Flooding Event was released last week.

Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the report illustrated better preparations could have been made for the flood.

“The resilience and determination of our River Murray communities during one of the most significant natural disasters in South Australia’s history is to be commended, and I can’t thank our locals enough for their collaboration and community spirit during that time,” Mr Whetstone said.

“The final report from the Select Committee reveals some hard truths about how the government, at all levels, fell short of what our communities needed and deserved.

“Despite having weeks of notice, the report highlights unacceptable gaps in flood preparedness and the confusing, often incorrect communication around river flow data.

“The government should have better prepared all the river communities and the river corridor for the flood, but they were slow off the mark to gain federal funding.”

Mr Whetstone said the economic burden of recovery from the flood event also impacted Riverland councils.

“There was little consideration around how much the river valleys have changed shape, with river constraints affecting the whole system,” he said.

“People were asked to make life-altering decisions with shifting and sometimes inaccurate information.

“Additionally, there was a lack of transparency around procurement during the recovery process. Our local businesses were sidelined, and the use of cost-plus contracts raises serious questions about value for money and accountability, when the focus should have been about delivering fast support to the people who need it most.”

“Our local councils bore the brunt of the recovery work and responsibility without adequate resources, with most still counting the cost three years on.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas – speaking to media last week – said “the response to (the) flood has been recognised as being one of the more professional and expeditious roll-out of services to support affected communities.”

However, Mr Whetstone said impacts from the flood were still evident on numerous Riverland communities.

“The Premier’s comments, making light of the report and describing the response to the flood being ‘one of the more professional and expeditious’ in the state’s history, was not the experience of many on the ground in our community,” he said.

“To portray the government’s response to the flood as positive is a blow to those on the ground who are still cleaning up the mess. Ignoring the shortcomings in this report would be a disservice to every household and business affected by this flood.

“Our community faced panic and uncertainty due to shifting forecasts, followed by a recovery filled with delays, confusion, and unanswered questions around public spending.

“We are still rebuilding roads, causeways, infrastructure, and housing, and we continue to witness the damage. However, we lack the necessary funding to repair and prepare for the next flood that is coming.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 21 May 2025.