Photo credit: Grant Schwartzkopff
Owners of shacks in the Riverland area are being invited to a community meeting at the Norwood Town Hall tonight to discuss the present flooding and how to prepare/protect their properties.
Hosted by the SA State Emergency Service (SASES) from 6:30pm, SES and guest speakers will be available to provide information for anyone looking for advice.
Flood conditions in the Riverland are set to worsen. Premier Peter Malinuaskas, following a meeting with the Emergency Management Committee, announced yesterday that flood levels are set to peak not only in early December, but again mid-December.
Current modelling shows a high probability of flows of 175 gigalitres a day by early December 2022, with a moderate likelihood of 200 gigalitres a day and a low likelihood of 220 gigalitres a day.
While government and community efforts are being made to prepare, Minister for Emergency Services Joe Szakacs recommends that individuals also have a plan.
“Today’s declaration reflects the seriousness of the challenges the sheer volume of water in the Murray will soon pose,” he said at yesterday’s press conference.
“I encourage all South Australians to follow the advice of emergency services, and for those who live and work along the river to have a plan.”
DefenCell modules, normally used to protect military installations, are being erected today across the River Murray region, creating an almost 8km-long flood barrier to stop surging flows.
Some final locations are still to be confirmed, but barriers will be erected at Nappers Bridge (Lake Bonney), Mannum’s main street, and sites near Cobdogla and Morgan. The DefenCell modules will reinforce the remedial levee works that are also progressing across the region.
Levees, which are embankments built to prevent the overflow of a river, are greatly helpful when protecting assets and preventing mass flooding from town centres. The Premier confirmed plans last night to dig up the bitumen on Mannum’s main street and build a temporary levee to avoid the level of damage previously experienced during the 1975 floods.
The proposed levee banks will be built to withstand flows of 250GL, but some homes and businesses – including the Pretoria Hotel and the Mannum Bowling Club – will remain in harm’s way.
To keep on top of the growing situation, the entirety of Cabinet will be in the Riverland today to announce a relief package being prepared by treasury. This relief package will also provide for a new Local Recovery Coordinator.
People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call the SA SES flood and storm information line 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.
Event Details
What: Shack Owners Community Meeting
When: Tuesday 22 November, 6.30-8.00pm
Where: Norwood Town Hall, 175a The Parade, Norwood.
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