While some State Government Directions are still in place for Zone F (between Lock 1 and Wellington), Chief Executive Officer Michael Sedgman said he understood people were keen for facilities to be reopened following revocation of the State Government’s Emergency Management Declaration on Thursday 9 February 2023.
“Now that floodwaters have started to recede and restrictions on the river have eased, people are understandably eager for other restrictions to lift as soon as possible – particularly when it comes to roads, boat ramps and playgrounds,” he said.
“All assets and areas that were closed during the high river event remain closed until assessments and any necessary repairs can be undertaken.
“Public safety remains our top priority and the Council has a comprehensive plan to reopen in a staged manner, safely and in line with receding floodwaters.”
Mr Sedgman said qualified experts had already been engaged to inspect and report on the condition of boat ramps and playgrounds.
“Council’s Guidelines require strict compliance with a safety inspection regime and on the back of this extraordinary flood event, assessments of structural integrity for public safety are paramount,” he said.
“We’ve engaged an expert to report on the condition of boat ramps, including underwater sections, and the advice is safety inspections cannot be carried out until water recedes to a near normal level – playgrounds require similar assurances.
“We are taking our lead from the State Government on suitable methodology when it comes to assessing roads to ensure they are safe and trafficable once floodwater recedes.”
Barriers remain in place to prevent access to areas that have not yet been cleared for public safety, and some 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.
For all other flood related enquiries call the River Murray Flood Info Line on 1800 362 361 or visit ses.gov.au