2022/2023 River Murray Flood

The 2022-23 River Murray flood event occurred between November 2022 and February 2023, as a result of heavy rain and flood events interstate.

This flood event was the largest since 1956, and the third highest flood ever recorded in South Australia, with an unprecedented number of impacted homes, shacks businesses and infrastructure.

The flow rate at the South Australian/Victoria border peaked at 186GL per day on 22 December 2022, with approximately 4,000 hectares of agricultural land and 3,500 private residences affected over the course of the event.

On Monday 21 November 2022 the State Coordinator for the State of South Australia, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, declared the River Murray flooding a major emergency.

The Governor of South Australia has approved a further 45 day extension of the existing Declaration of a Major Emergency commencing on 19 January 2023.

More information can be found here https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/river-murray-floods/2022-23-river-murray-flood-event

Council’s Response

In preparation for and during the flood Council ceased all non-essential activities and reassigned its resources to flood emergency response.

Council led the construction and remediation of in excess of 14kms of temporary and permanent levee banks in the protection of prioritized community infrastructure, facilities and property. Locations of these levees included Cobdogla, Lake Bonney and Riverview Drive, Berri.

All specifications for the building of the levees were generated by independent engineers, as required pre-requisite of funding support (reimbursement) by the SA Government.   These levees have achieved desired results, with only two minor failures recorded in the Council area both of which were successfully remediated.

Pedestrian and vehicle traffic was significantly disrupted throughout the Council area with many partial and total road closures necessary for public safety.

Ongoing Recovery Works (updated 25 August 2023)

Bruno Bay, Cobdogla

Bruno Bay experienced complete inundation during the flood. The temporary levee once installed on Sheuard Road, Cobdogla has now been removed. The material from this temporary levee remains stockpiled at Bruno Bay, while necessary approvals are sought to install a section of levee from Sheuard Road to the Sturt Highway in preparation for future flood events. Such approvals have delayed further works at Bruno Bay; however, they will be progressed as quickly as possible ahead of the peak tourism season.

Other sections of permanent levee remain in Cobdogla adjacent the Caravan Park. Council is committed to remediating and where possible, beautifying these sections of levee and Bruno Bay in collaboration with the Cobdogla Caravan Park and local volunteers.

Riverview Drive, Berri (between Clarke and Fenwick Roads)

The section of Riverview Drive between Clarke Road and Martin Bend was impacted by sub-surface flood water across the wetlands. The soaking of this area caused movement in the road-base and levee construction works on the road surface had a compounding detrimental effect.

The road has undergone comprehensive damage assessment and design is currently occurring for the necessary complete reconstruction of the roadway. Through reconstruction Council intends to provide permanent flood protection for the residents of Riverview Drive and the Eastern side of the Berri townships to a determined height.

Riverview Drive residents have been engaged in the reconstruction planning to date, and further engagement is planned for September, before Council considers the project formally.

Public Amenities Refurbishment - Berri Marina / Bruno Bay / Martin Bend

Existing public amenities were subject to partial and in some instances complete inundation by flood water. Repairs and renovation to amenities at Berri Marina, Bruno Bay and Martin Bend have been completed and all are open to the public.

Lake Bonney Caring for Country

The campsites located on the foreshore of Lake Bonney were damaged due to inundation and heavy rainfall scouring. Damage has not been restricted to campsites alone, with walking trails and common areas also impacted. Many of these areas may require reinstatement and repair.

Scoping of repairs has involved considerable assessment of sensitive archeological and cultural sites with the Riverland Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation. Council is currently awaiting details of final assessments before repair works can be instigated; however, they will be progressed as quickly as possible ahead of the peak tourism season. Alternative camping has been temporarily allowed at Lake Vista and Apex Park while camping elsewhere around Lake Bonney is restricted.

Work is currently continuing on cleaning of the Nappers inlet and surrounding levee bank.

Long Term Project Concepts

Information on long term flood related infrastructure and advocacy projects is available here.