With the River Murray flood peak now approaching Lock 1 near Blanchetown, communities downriver are being urged to continue to prepare for increasing water levels.
Over the coming week, the peak is expected to pass through Murray Bridge and into the Lower Lakes.
People in flood risk areas are reminded to take action as river levels rise ahead of the expected peak and continue to check the SA SES website for updates.
The peak has now reached Morgan and is expected at Mannum from 6-9 January, Murray Bridge between 7-10 January and the Lower Lakes between 9-13 January.
Flows into Lake Alexandrina have resulted in higher water levels around shacks at Milang. Water levels in the lake are also influenced by wind, tide and wave activity which may have resulted in higher levels in some locations.
A community meeting will be held tonight from 6pm at the Milang Regatta Club to ensure shack owners have up to date information.
With the peak approaching the lower end of the system, the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) will now provide daily water level tables taken from five locations around the lakes rather than the current one from Lake Alexandrina.
The table will now include Milang, Clayton Bay, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island Marina and Meningie to provide more detailed information for the Lower Lakes community.
SA Health continues to warn against swimming and diving at Lake Bonney until further notice due to potentially harmful levels of blue green algae. Boating, fishing, canoeing and rowing are still permitted but people are advised to take extra care not to ingest the water.
Meanwhile, upstream at the border, water levels are continuing to drop significantly offering some hope they will recede below 60 gigalitres a day by early February.
In relation to current bans on activity on the river, the State Government yesterday announce it would section the river into eight zones so we can manage the restrictions in accordance with the level of risk in different areas.
Under the current restrictions, all recreational boating and aquatic activities on the River Murray between the SA border and Wellington are banned, including the use of any vessel, swimming and fishing is now prohibited.
SA Health has confirmed there is currently no evidence of increased microbial contamination, including E.coli in floodwaters entering Goolwa and nearby beaches.
This week, the Albanese and Malinauskas governments announced $126.25 million in further disaster assistance for communities hit by the devastating flooding.
An Emergency Relief Centre has now been opened at the Ramblers Football Club in Murray Bridge where, along with those already operating at Berri and Mannum, the public can access information and apply for support including financial relief and emergency accommodation.
People can call the Relief Information line on 1800 302 787 seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
To view water levels at different locations along the river visit www.sa.gov.au
People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call River Murray hotline on 1800 362 361 anytime.
Quotes
Attributable to Joe Szakacs
As the peak moves down the river system toward Murray Bridge and the Lower Lakes, it is important these communities continue to prepare and keep up to date with the SES advice.
The Malinauskas government is supporting river communities with practical, financial and other support and we will continue to do so now and throughout the recovery process.
Attributable to SA SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie
SES encourages members of the Lower Lakes community to attend the Milang community meeting tonight to get a better understanding of the flows expected in the coming weeks.
Thank you for the energy and commitment shown by our SES and emergency services personnel on the ground, who continue to work tirelessly for the community.
