Lower River Murray levees intermediate remediation funding

The Federal and State Governments have announced $17.1 million in funding to progress intermediate remediation works for government-owned levees in the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area (LMRIA) that were damaged in the 2022-23 River Murray flood event.

The intermediate remediation works will bolster the immediate stabilisation works, which began in March 2023 to enable dewatering of inundated agricultural areas and will support the protection of the region’s economically significant agricultural land and floodplain infrastructure in the event of future high flows.

In addition to the $17.1 million jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement funding, the South Australian Government has allocated $14.2 million in state funds for intermediate remediation works to privately-owned LMRIA levees.

Condition assessments of the levees will inform the development of a longer-term resilience strategy for government- and privately-owned levees within the LMRIA. This strategy will also be underpinned by consultation and engagement with the region’s relevant stakeholders.

The Department for Environment and Water will continue to work closely with the LMRIA landholders, irrigation trusts and community members in progressing the intermediate remediation works.

View Intermediate Remediation of LMRIA Levees Factsheet.

If you have queries, please contact the Department for Environment and Water through the following channels:

Lisa van der Linde, Communications and Engagement Officer on 0437 313 087 or Lisa.vanderlinde@sa.gov.au or the DEW Communications and Engagement team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au.

Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area levee banks

Field inspections of levees in the LMRIA continue with reinforcement of levee stabilisation works being undertaken, where required, to remain functional.

All government-owned levee banks along the Lower Murray from Mannum to Wellington continue to remain closed to public access until full condition assessments of the levees are undertaken and levees are deemed safe for public access. Recreational activities along the levee banks, such as walking, cycling and fishing are not allowed.

The government-owned levee banks are:

  • Cowirra
  • Neeta
  • Wall Flat
  • Pompoota
  • Mypolonga
  • Mobilong
  • Burdett
  • Long Flat
  • Monteith
  • Jervois

Privately-owned levees along the Lower Murray are managed and maintained by private landowners and access to their levee banks is at their discretion. However, access to private levee banks where the department is undertaking reinforcement of levee stabilisation works is not permitted.

If you have queries, please contact the Department for Environment and Water through the following channels:

Lisa van der Linde, Communications and Engagement Officer on 0437 313 087 or Lisa.vanderlinde@sa.gov.au or the DEW Communications and Engagement team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au.

River Murray Flow in South Australia

The flow at the South Australian border is approximately 9 GL/day and will remain around 9 GL/day over the coming week depending on river operations.

The SA River Murray Flow Report is issued weekly and provides information on flows across the SA border, water levels, river infrastructure and impacts to the river. Click here to subscribe to this report.

Upstream flows

More information on upstream conditions and forecasts can be found in the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Weekly Flow Report.

River Vessel Waste Disposal Stations

The Lock 3 River Vessel Waste Disposal Station (RVWDS) has been out of commission since January 2020 due to a significant infrastructure failure. The nearest alternative waste facility is located at Waikerie. Normal boat waste (domestic or galley waste) can still be deposited at the Lock 3 facility.

Goolwa RVWDS portaloo unit is currently out of service. The closest portaloo disposal facilities are available at no charge at Coorong Quays, Hindmarsh Island by contacting them on 8555 7300. The remainder of the station is operating as normal. Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.

Any issues with river vessel waste disposal stations can be reported on 1800 799 065.

If you have any questions, please contact the DEW Engagement Team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au.

Predicted water levels

Current water levels are updated daily and can be found here: https://www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au/River-Murray/SitePages/Daily.aspx

As at 22 March the water level in Lake Alexandrina is approximately 0.63 m AHD and Lake Albert is approximately 0.56 m AHD. The difference is due to wind effects.

The Lower Lakes are being managed to target a daily average lake level between 0.6 m AHD to 0.7 m AHD during March 2024.

During adverse weather conditions, SA Water will operate the barrages to minimise the risk of seawater entering Lake Alexandrina, therefore minimising negative salinity impacts from reverse flow events.

View gate openings at the barrages on Water Data SA at https://water.data.sa.gov.au/Data/Dashboard/75

Total daily flow releases from the barrages can also be found on Water Data SA at https://water.data.sa.gov.au/Data/Dashboard/1

The latest flow information is available on the Flows and daily water levels webpage or view the weekly River Murray Flow Report.

If you have any questions, please contact the DEW Engagement Team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au

More information about levee banks

View responses to frequently asked questions about levee banks along the River Murray.

Visit the PIRSA LMRIA flood recovery web page.