SA River Murray

River Murray Flood information

On Monday 21 November 2022, the State Government declared the River Murray flooding a major emergency. Members of the public are advised to stay updated on the flood situation by visiting SA.gov.au - River Murray Flood (www.sa.gov.au).

Council is part of the Zone Emergency Management Team which connects us with all relevant agencies and neighbouring councils, ensuring timely and accurate information is received and communicated.

Community Meetings - Flood Information

The SA State Emergency Service (SES) have held a number of information sessions, to provide important information and latest updates on River Murray Floods, its impacts, and ways to get prepared.

Goolwa Community Meeting - was held on Saturday, 26 November - a recording is available hereMeningie Community Meeting - was held on Friday, 25 November - a recording is available here Shack owners - meeting was held on Tuesday, 22 November - a recording is available here

If you are unable to attend in person, please watch the video recording via link above, and if you still have additional questions please call the SES flood information line on 1800 362 361.

Current flood predictions, suggest the start of peak flows/high river levels within the Alexandrina Council area will occur from early December and expect to remain high until February 2023.

Increased volumes of water are flowing down the River Murray and are causing the river to be at flood level. Whilst flooding is only expected to be in low-lying areas of the flood plain, the high flow in the main river channel will pose a risk to public safety.

Due to the unavoidable uncertainty in the flow forecast, the community is encouraged to continue to plan and prepare for an even higher flow.

To stay up to date, visit the SA.gov.au website

SES are the Lead Agency working closely with SA Police and Department of Water & SA Water (and other Government agencies) to respond to the River Murray under flood conditions.

What can you do?

1. Check the flood risk of your property by using the flood mapping tool -  follow the link here

accept terms and conditionsselect "Launch Map",select the Council  Area in drop down list as "Alexandrina Council",under Flood Studies list please select  "River Murray Flood Extent 1956",zoom in on the map to find your property location.

2. Prepare a Flood Plan for your household and leave early (you have time now!). Talk to your neighbours and understand their plan!

3. If your property is identified within the 1956 Flood Map it is recommended you activate your Flood Preparedness/Response Plan and ensure SES warnings for Flood Watch & Act are observed.

4. Please go to the lead Emergency Agencies - SA.Gov.au and SES websites for information on how to prepare. Including checklists, sandbag information and detailed on what to do "before, during and after" Flood Fact Sheets.

No one person or organisation will stop the flow, hence your safety is of utmost importanceResist the urge to drive through flood water, remember 300mm flood water is when your car will float and will be pushed by currents downstream!Last job before you evacuate, place toilet lid down, towel in toilet bowl before you leave, will save you an added mess for clean upServices will be impacted and recovery will take time. Please be patient. Other helpful websites and links Currently, Council's response to the high flows include: Risk assessments undertaken to understand the impact the current forecast flows may have on public infrastructure, with actions allocated when specific flow levels are reached.A targeted action plan will be developed based on predicted flows and standing water levels once further modelling has been completed by the hazard lead agency.Active monitoring of high flows, with advice taken from lead agencies and emergency services to ensure a coordinated response.

Last updated: 9am, 28 November 2022