Lake Bonney reconnected to River Murray

Contractors have commenced removing the temporary inlet closure to Barmera’s Lake Bonney as flood waters in the Riverland begin to recede.

The temporary closure, which has been in place since Friday, 2 December 2022, was constructed to protect critical infrastructure on the Barmera foreshore, including Community Waste Management Systems, Storm Water infrastructure as well as private properties and businesses.

At the river’s highest levels Community Waste Management Systems (CWMS) on the Barmera foreshore would have been inundated, causing critical wastewater backups into the homes of approximately 4000 people. Nappers Bridge would have been underwater, as would a number of low-lying properties and cultural heritage sites.

`Berri Barmera Council has proactively engaged the River Murray Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (RMMAC) to understand cultural impacts of the reopening, and how these could be managed.

While the re-opening takes place, the State Coordinator has issued a Direction prohibiting people from being on or in the River Murray (including Lake Bonney) within 500 metres of the Morgan Road Bridge (often referred to as Nappers Bridge).  This Direction took effect at 12:01am on Monday, 30 January 2023.

Water is expected to be flowing through the inlet within 24 hours, and the lake is expected to equalise with the river in the coming days.

It is important to acknowledge the continued efforts and collaboration between RMMAC and our multi-agency working group. This partnership has enabled us to take a holistic approach to the reopening and ensures that the cultural sites in this area are protected and maintained throughout the reopening process.

Downstream irrigators are encouraged to monitor the daily salinity levels provided by SA Water as part of their business operations. Lake Bonney is a large permanent terminal wetland. This means that while water enters the lake, the constant evaporation leaves salt behind, gradually increasing salinity in the lake. Mixing and flushing of the lake is limited due to the single narrow connection with the River Murray through Chambers Creek.

“Lake Bonney is one of the Riverland’s most popular tourism spots, and even during this significant flooding event, has been a great place to enjoy water activity”

“Re-connecting the Lake to the River is incredibly important as it’s a symbol that Community Waste Management Systems, Storm Water infrastructure as well as private properties and businesses are now at minimal risk of any damage.”

“I thank all SES and Berri Barmera Council staff for their tenacity and hard work through a series of challenges over the last few months.”

SASES Chief Officer Chris Beattie said reopening of the Napper inlet was always a

key priority when the flood waters receded to a safe level.  

“Lake Bonney is a popular destination for South Australians and allowing the flow of fresh water into the lake will provide ecological benefits for fish and vegetation, but also for the local community,’ he said.    

“River users should be aware that the re-opening of Lake Bonney is likely to result in short term increase in salinity levels downstream of the lake”

“Downstream irrigators are encouraged to monitor thedaily salinity levelsprovided by SA Water as part of their business operations”

“At its highest point the levee at Nappers Bridge held back almost 3m of flood water, protecting significant community infrastructure and homes”

“Lake Bonney is truly at the heart of our community, and with the reconnection of the lake to the river, our Lake can receive a flush of fresh water, and all the benefits that brings.”

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the community for their patience and perseverance over the last 8 weeks. Our community is a resilient one, and that has been obvious throughout this flooding event”

“I encourage anyone thinking of visiting the Riverland, to come and enjoy the iconic Lake Bonney, and support those who have done it tough of late”