River Murray Flood Planning and Building Working Group
The 2022-23 River Murray flood event occurred between November 2022 and February 2023, as a result of heavy rain and flood events interstate.
This flood event was the largest since 1956, and the third highest flood ever recorded in South Australia, with an unprecedented number of impacted homes, shacks businesses and infrastructure. It peaked on 22 December with approximately 4,000 hectares of agricultural land and 3,500 private residences affected over the course of the event.
The response to this event required strategic thinking and action. It required commitment and passion. It required hundreds of hours of support and it required and still requires support from Councils and particularly the planning staff at each of the Councils to work with property owners to address their development and replacement needs. The collaborative approach taken by government agencies and the LGA in supporting councils and their communities during this period was outstanding and is one that is worthy of this award.
Without planners at the forefront of these events, working alongside emergency response staff, the recovery would be much longer and more difficult, with a far greater impact on communities and individuals.
The team of councils and their planning staff who worked collaboratively and demonstrated significant leadership included:
- Renmark Paringa Council
- District Council of Loxton Waikerie
- Berri Barmera Council
- Mid Murray Council
- Rural City of Murray Bridge
Importantly, the working group established across these Council's with DTI PLUS -the River Murray Flood Planning and Building Working Group - worked tirelessly and the efforts of the planning staff from each of these councils has meant that the needs of their property owners have been considered every step of the way, not only as they initially tackled the flood waters, but importantly now the rebuild is underway.