Safety

Riverbank Collapse

In recent times, there has been increasing numbers of reports of riverbank collapsing along the lower River Murray. This has resulted in large amounts of soil, rock and sometimes trees entering into the River. Prolonged low water levels below Lock 1 have exposed 270km of riverbank to serious risk of riverbank collapse. Riverbank collapse has the potential to claim lives and damage properties and infrastructure between Blanchetown and Wellington.

Where trees have fallen or appear likely to fall, the clearance of those trees may trigger the State's vegetation clearance legislation, the Native Vegetation Act 1991.

To report riverbank collapse, call the Department for Water's (DFW) free, 24-hour Riverbank Collapse Hotline on 1800 751 970.

A representative from DFW will contact you to gain more information and make an assessment regarding the type of remedial works needed.

Members of the public seeking general information on riverbank collapse should call DFW's Program Leader - Riverbank Collapse Hazard on (+61 8) 8204 8575.

Examples of the information you will be asked to provide include:

has the entire tree fallen into the water?
has the tree fallen but the roots are still attached to the land?
is the tree still upright?
is there any signs of soils cracking or collapsing within a meter of the base of the tree?
does there appear to be any danger that the tree, or any part of the tree, will fall?
to your knowledge, is the tree native to South Australia?
is the tree taller than 2 metres?

Clearance along roads, intersections and at rail crossings for public safety purposes

An interim operational framework targeted at road authorities published in December 2010. A review of the operational framework will be conducted after 12 months to assess its workability and the operation of the draft framework.

Download the Interim framework for clearance along roads, intersections and at rail crossings for public safety purposes (478kb pdf).