The Rural City of Murray Bridge has developed a detailed plan to ensure restricted areas reopen in a staged and timely fashion, in line with receding water levels and with public safety at the forefront of considerations.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Sedgman said as water levels drop and roads and other infrastructure re-emerge, the Council would wait for its assets to dry out before undertaking inspections and repairs.
“We have a big job in front of us and it will take some time, but we are a resilient community that understands the need for a solid and comprehensive plan for recovery,” he said.
“Our efforts will focus first on our primary riverfront reserves and the businesses that operate from them at Sturt, Avoca Dell, Thiele, Long Island and Woodlane Reserves.
“Each area contains many individual assets such as playgrounds, trees, boat ramps and ground that has been submerged for some time - we will engage qualified experts to independently assess those assets as required.
“The safety of people in our community remains our top priority and we are conscious of the community’s desire to return to normal life as quickly as possible – which our recovery plan aims to support.”
Mr Sedgman said once floodwaters dropped it was important people remained aware of lingering dangers.
“Some people may grow impatient and not understand why some closures remain in place after the water subsides,” he said.
“We can assure them the Council is working hard behind the scenes and is committed to reopening as quickly as possible, with public safety as our top priority.”
Barriers remain in place to prevent access to areas that have not yet been cleared for public safety, and river restrictions for Zone F remain in place in our Council area.
A full list of Council services and facilities impacted by flooding, along with recovery plans, is available on The Rural City of Murray Bridge website and updates will be posted to the Council’s Facebook page.
Image: flooding at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge