By Christian Longobardi, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, SA

The 2022/23 River Murray flood event will be remembered as one of South Australia’s most significant natural disasters, affecting communities across approximately 650 kilometres of river. The peak flow of 186 gigalitres a day – the equivalent of Adelaide’s entire annual water usage on a daily basis – had not been seen in South Australia since 1956. Almost 91,000 hectares of land was inundated. Every living thing along the river’s length felt its impact, from the natural flora and fauna to the livestock and agriculture – and, most importantly, the people who built their businesses, homes, and communities on the Murray.

Recovery commensurate to the considerable impacts required a sustained, dynamic and integrated approach spanning over nine local government areas and state-level governance, utilising systems, capabilities, and connections to effectively restore and rebuild along the length of the river.

As the recovery progressed, the need for coordination with state-level authorities became crucial for resource mobilisation, policy support, and strategic planning. This case study steps through how leveraging interconnected systems and capabilities across the local and state level led to enhanced and tailored recovery outcomes to meet varying community needs. This included liaison with First Nations groups and locally-led community groups (such as the ‘Women of the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area’).

Effective communication, data-driven decision-making, and policy alignment between local and state entities were essential to overcoming challenges and achieving results. Impacted communities continue to use new connections formed during the recovery phase to return to a “new normal”.

Implemented recovery initiatives continue to help rebuild lives and restore communities and create a resilient future for the River Murray and all who call it home.