Power has been restored to the beloved animatronic South Australian icon, located at Sturt Reserve, in Murray Bridge, as part of The Rural City of Murray Bridge’s continuing flood recovery efforts.
Mayor Wayne Thorley encouraged people to visit the legendary Bunyip, reminding everyone the push button feature to see her rise from the water depths of her riverfront cave and roar was now free.
“She enjoyed a break over the summer while the Murray River was in flood and now she’s back and ready to rumble – visitors are welcome once more!” he said.
“She was happy to hear people behaved responsibly during high flows and that no lives were lost in the Murray Bridge floodwaters.
“She returns with renewed enthusiasm to her role on the Sturt Reserve riverfront, teaching people to respect the river and to never swim alone.”
The Bunyip will be treated to a spa day experience in her watery cave on Monday morning when Council workers will give her a good scrub and pamper, so she can put her best face forward for her adoring public.
The majority of Sturt Reserve was reopened to the public a little over a month ago, following three months of rolling closures due to the impact of high river flows.
Continuing ground saturation in the lower lying downstream section of Sturt Reserve, which included bunyip connections, meant electrical services could not be restored until this week.
As qualified experts continue to assess and repair flood damage and faults in the area other facilities such as the main toilet block and lighting will be brought back online.
To learn more about the Murray Bridge Bunyip visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/bunyip
A full list of Council services and facilities impacted by flood 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
