Council Update (as at  7 December 2022)

In preparing for this flood event Council has sought to take appropriate action to protect our community, essential infrastructure, community facilities and property (both public and private wherever possible). This approach commenced with a broad infrastructure audit and (assisted by inundation mapping provided by the Department of Environment and Water) undertook an assessment of areas at risk of inundation. The assessment identified the priority areas of Cobdogla township, Barmera/Lake Bonney, Berri township, Winkie, Loveday and Overland Corner respectively.

Cobdogla

The levee around the Cobdogla township consists of remediated remnant 1956 levee intersecting with the Sturt Highway causeway and newly constructed temporary levee adjacent to the caravan park, Trussell Tce and Schell Road. The levee protects the Western and South-Western areas of the township, caravan park, wastewater infrastructure and the Cobdogla Oval facility from inundation. Levee remediation and construction works have achieved a height to sustain 200GL/day flows in priority sections. The height and length of the levee system will continue to rise to 250GL/day sustainability during the month of December.

Lake Bonney/Barmera

The Lake Bonney levee runs North from the Sturt Highway at Cobdogla to Nappers inlet at the North Western Corner of Lake Bonney. The levee consists of remediated remnant 1956 levee, newly constructed levee along Arnold Coats Road and a temporary levee and closure of the inlet to Lake Bonney. Levee remediation and construction works have achieved a height to sustain 175GL/day flows in priority sections. The height of the length of the levee will continue to rise to 250GL/day sustainability during the month of December. This levee protects Lake Bonney from further inundation which in turn protects critical wastewater infrastructure which supports up to 4000 residents across Barmera, Cobdogla and Loveday townships. It also protects the Barmera storm water network, residential property and public property including parks, reserves, and community facilities.

Berri

Through the assistance of the SA State Emergency Service, a “defence cell” temporary levee system will be installed on the Berri riverfront adjacent the central business district. The temporary levee will run from Crawford Terrace to Clark Road and will protect properties close to the riverfront and public property including parks, reserves and community facilities from potential inundation and damage of potential wave action associated with the second, higher peak flow in late December 2022. The installation of this temporary levee will commence the week beginning 12 December 2022 and is designed to assist in limiting potential impacts to business owners and the riverfront reserves.

Council is continuing to explore further options for protection of low sections of Riverview Drive towards Martin Bend, and the SA State Emergency Service and SAPOL are continuing to liaise with property owners in that area to assist community to understand actions they can take themselves, to prepare for the event.

Winkie, Loveday and Overland Corner

Remnant levee systems in some of these areas have been investigated by Council’s engineers. Current modelling has not identified these areas for immediate remediation with respect to risk to public safety, community infrastructure and number of properties. Council understands that owners of low-lying properties are pursuing methods of self-protection and preparedness in these areas. For information on how you can prepare your property, please visit www.sa.gov.au

Council has compiled a list of  Frequently Asked Questions in relation to the Temporary Levee at Nappers Bridge  to provide further information for the community.