DefenCell technology is being used to build a protective barrier around the Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre and the Murray Bridge Community Club.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Sedgman said he was proud to see community members rolling up their sleeves and working with the Council and emergency services to protect community assets.
“The spirit of this community and the people who live here is something really special,” he said.
“Residents and local businesses have been donating their own time and sweat, to work side by side with the Council and emergency services, to shovel sand and help protect our community.
“It makes me really proud to see our Thriving Communities in action.”
DefenCells are large durable honeycomb shaped geotextile blocks, that are filled with sand, placed end to end and stacked, to create solid barriers designed to keep flood waters at bay.
The product was originally created for military applications, such as perimeter security in inhospitable landscapes, but recent testing has proven its effectiveness when used as a flood barrier.
The cells in use at Sturt Reserve have been imported from India and provided by the State Government through South Australian State Emergency Services (SASES), and construction work at Sturt Reserve is expected to take three days.
The Council is working with Long’s Sand and Metal to supply sand for the project from a local pit, while lunch for workers and volunteers has been provided by the Club.
A full list of Council services and facilities impacted by rising water levels 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
Caption: Rural City of Murray Bridge Field Officers Scott Rathjen, Bin Gibbs and Quinn Callis, with Chief Excutive Officer Michael Sedgman and General Manager Infrastructure & Assets Heather Barclay with DefenCells at Sturt Reserve.