River Murray communities affected by the major floods of 2022-23 will receive nearly $25 million in support from both the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments to aid their recovery from one of SA’s most devastating natural disasters. This joint effort aims to assist these communities as they rebuild and recover.
The support includes a range of programs aimed at mental health, restoring community and recreational assets, and increasing irrigation infrastructure. A major part of this support is the $1.314 million for the Flood Recovery Mental Health Support Program. This initiative offers specialised mental health services to reduce long-term impacts and support well-being among residents affected by the floods, addressing critical psychological needs during recovery.
The package also includes a $9 million Council Community and Recreational Asset Restoration Program, allowing councils to repair and restore community assets such as parks, playgrounds, public toilets, and cultural sites.
An additional $2.025 million is allocated to the LMRIA Irrigation Trust Recovery Support Program. This will assist irrigation trusts in the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area to participate in recovery and resilience-building activities, key to maintaining agricultural practices disrupted by the floods.
Plus, $12.6 million is dedicated to the LMRIA Remediation and Resilience Program which aims to strengthen privately owned levees, making sure these critical structures are resilient to future challenges.
“We’ve been listening to the River Murray communities to understand what we can provide to not just help them rebuild, but to thrive in the long-term recovery from the floods,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said.
“The initiatives that we’re announcing today kicks off this next stage of recovery, focusing on community wellbeing by providing mental health support on top of those being delivered at the local level and to rebuild community assets and facilities.
“We’re also providing further assistance for important infrastructure recovery works to help the Lower River Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area prepare for the future.”
