Lyrup rebuild enhances floodplain connectivity
The Department for Environment and Water’s (DEW) South Australia Constraints Measures project is collaborating with Berri Barmera Council on an innovative project that will combine environmental health measures with infrastructure along Lyrup Road in Monash.
Lyrup Road was severely damaged during the 2022-23 River Murray flood, but instead of replacing the road like-for-like, the project is taking the opportunity to integrate culvert infrastructure into the reconstruction of the road to improve floodplain health.
Berri Barmera Mayor Ella Winnall welcomed the Government of South Australia’s commitment to fully fund the road’s reconstruction, with the general rebuild funded from the Local Government Disaster Recovery Assistance Arrangements and DEW funding the cost of the culvert.
“Council is pleased the State Government has identified this enhancement for the repair work needed to properly re-open Lyrup Rd after the flood” Mayor Winnall said.
“By bundling the flood repair and constraints work, the road will get fixed at the same time as improving environmental outcomes, which is a great win-win.”
The road, which intersects the 2,000-hectare Lyrup Flats floodplain known for its diverse habitats and recreational opportunities within the Murray River National Park, was identified as a priority site for modification to improve water movement across the surrounding floodplain.
As part of the rebuild, a culvert structure to channel water underneath the road will be installed to support natural floodplain connectivity and reduce the barrier to natural flows created by the road embankment.
DEW’s Program Leader, Constraints Measures Michael Colagrossi explained that the ecological benefits to achieved through installation of the culvert are significant.
“The western side of the Lyrup Flats floodplain naturally inundates with moderate river flows (approximately 45 GL/day), but Lyrup Road creates a blockade to this water, meaning the eastern side doesn’t get the water needed to sustain precious floodplain ecosystems” Mr Colagrossi said.
“Currently, vegetation east of the road is degraded due to this limited water access, however the culvert will allow water to flow under the road, increasing connectivity between the river channel and eastern floodplain.”
“This increased connectivity will improve habitat quality of the lignum shrubland which is essential for native species of frogs, birds, reptiles and insects.”
In addition to Lyrup Road, the SA Constraints Measures project is working with Berri Barmera Council to deliver upgrades at Bruno Bay in Cobdogla.
Following extensive community consultation in late 2024, upgrades will be made to the site’s boat ramp, access road, carpark, barbecue shelters, seating and toilet facilities to improve community access to the site during periods of high flows.
Both Lyrup Road and Bruno Bay projects are scheduled for completion by December 2026.
The $90.79 million South Australia Constraints Measures project supports infrastructure upgrades that enhance environmental water delivery, community resilience and access during high-flow events. The project is delivered by the Government of South Australia and funded by the Australian Government as part of the Basin Plan.
