River News

River Flow Rates (30 August 2022) High river flow rates, currently at 43GL/day across the SA border are predicted to reach of the order of 60Gl in September and October. The Murray River at Bringendrong (below the Snowy Hydro inflows) is contributing 15GL. Major contributions are also being made by the Mitta Mitta (8GL), Kiewa (7GL), Ovens (17GL) and Goulburn (12GL) Rivers. Major water storages are delivering substantial flows and holding the following reserves: Dartmouth Dam (3,830GL), Hume Dam (2,893GL), Menindee Lakes (1,925GL) and Lake Victoria (397GL). The Darling River at Burtundy is flowing at almost 17GL/day and the Murrumbidgee River at Balranald is contributing 11.5GL/day. Total gate openings at the barrages at the Murray Mouth are 237 (gates may be opened and closed more than once during the course of a day). All in all, a lot of water at the moment and this is why the 2022 River Run has recently been cancelled. There will always be a next time! More information on river flow rates and links to current data for the whole of the Murray River can be seen at our River Flow Data page.
Update on the Environmental Watering of the Pike River Floodplain (27 December 2020) Environmental watering at the Pike floodplain is in its final weeks of the event with the water levels reaching the planned target height 15.25 m AHD at the beginning of December. Water levels were held at that peak height for a few days which allowed water to spill out into low lying floodplain and wetland areas giving the vegetation a drink and wetting up the soil. Weir pool levels at Lock 5 have commenced being returned back to normal operating level and are expected to be back to normal in late December. Ecologists have undertaken spring frog surveys and recorded a high numbers of frogs at the 12 sites surveyed across the Pike Floodplain. Southern bell frogs, which are listed as vulnerable at a State and National wide level, were recorded at 10 of these sites. SARDI have conducted fish trapping at the fishways at the Tanyaca and Pike regulators to determine how the fish are responding to the higher flows and to ensure that the fishways were operating properly. Good fish numbers were observed during this time with a variety of fish species identified such as Murray rainbow fish, smelt, bony brim and golden perch. Overall the Pike floodplain watering event has progressed very well and great responses to the floodplain vegetation and trees are expected in the future. For more information subscribe to the River Murray Weekly Flow Report via this link: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/8D42C972B80E0D172540EF23F30FEDED Photographs of the new infrastructure and flooding can be found here. The above text was abstracted from information provided by Ellee Eleftheriadis, Communications and Community Engagement Officer – Pike and Katarapko Water Infrastructure and Operations, South Australian Department for Environment and Water.
Notice of 2021 Race Dates for Riverland Dinghy Club Inc. (27 December 2020) High speed dinghy racing will occur in creeks of the Riverland and on the Murray River on the following dates in 2021: 7 February, 20 March, 29 May, 10 & 12 September, 30 October. See dinghyderby.com.au for more details.
Walker Flat General Store Change of Ownership (23 September 2020)This store at 4809 Angas Valley Road, Walker Flat has recently changed ownership. Boaties are offered special services, including deliveries to the waterfront. Click here to link to a flyer describing what the store can offer, including delivery of fuel, food and drinks to Hettner and Water Hen Reserve. The tore serves takeaway meals, alcoholic drinks, fuel, gas, ice, hardware, car batteries, fishing gear and bait. Ph. 8570 8050.
New Katarapko Creek Environmental Infrastructure (22 September 2020) The new environmental infrastructure began operating in the second week of this month after over 12 months of construction works. This includes temporarily raising Lock 4 water levels. A factsheet can be accessed here and includes information about the infrastructure and a map of what is expected to be watered this Spring. The watering event will run from 15 September to 15 December 2020. Progressive raising of the water level at Lock 4 by 0.3m over the first 5 weeks will result in a maximum 2.8m increase in levels downstream at The Splash (see graph and photo below). Visitors are advised to observe the signage when accessing the Park. Water may be present on tracks and at campsites and conditions within the creeks will vary with water speed, depth and size where the water is on the floodplain. Care should be taken when driving, boating or canoeing. (Information provided by Ellee Eleftheriadis, Communications and Community Engagement Officer – Pike and Katarapko, Water Infrastructure and Operations South Australian Government Department for Environment and Water)
Tailem Bend Riverfront Upgrade (22 September 2020)At Dickson Reserve, a new fixed floating pontoon has been constructed suitable for all boats including large paddleboats. New aluminium mooring posts have been installed on the grassy bank suitable for houseboats and /or smaller boats. There is a large shelter with two tables and seating, including two electric BBQ’s. A set of stairs leads to the township with all amenities including a laundromat. Riverside Hotel is within walking distance. A courtesy bus is available to patrons. Public toilets are at the reserve. Small boats can be launched at Fred’s Landing about 4km downstream from Tailem Bend at the 86km mark. (Information provided by E and G Nicholls)
Fruit Fly Containment Restrictions in the Riverland New restrictions apply to what fruits, vegetables and plant products can be taken into the Riverland from interstate and from other parts of South Australia. Full details are available at https://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/fruit_fly_in_sa/plan_your_trip This website provides a map of the restricted area, lists of disposal bin locations and prohibited items. Fines of $375 and more apply. You are no longer permitted to bring in fresh fruit and fruiting vegetables purchased from a South Australian shop with an itemised receipt as proof of purchase. If you are unsure or need further information call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.
Installation of In-water Woody Habitats for Fish; Temporary Closure of Loxton Poo StationGraham Rainbow has provided information from the SA Government re. installation of woody habitats for fish near Loxton, Bookpurnong and Overland Corner. A second public notice advises of the temporary closure of the Loxton River Vessel Waste Disposal Station until 30 October 2020. See reproductions of public notices below. See also photos of the woody habitats on Stanitzki's Bend (505km), taken on the June 2020 Loxton to Renmark Mini Run.
News from SA National Parks and Wildlife Service The web page relevant to the Murray River National Park can be found at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/Murray_River/murray-river-national-park Recent alerts Changes to road access in Katarapko section of Murray River National Park (Published: 29 May 2020)
Campsites previously closed in the Katarapko section of the park will be reopened on Friday 5 June 2020. Please be aware that the access roads have changed and you can now travel from one end of the park to the other. A map will be made available on website soon. Campsite numbers and locations will remain the same for now. https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/closures-and-alerts/200529-murray-river-national-park-road-changes
River Murray Topics from the SA Department of Environment and Water, see https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/river-murray includes link to WaterConnect for water flow reports. also from the Department, see the sub-page River Murray News at https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/river-murray including media releases.

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