Urgent work to upgrade levees and infrastructure to protect the Renmark Hospital, homes and houseboat moorings were inspected by the Premier today, as he announced that water levels are rising faster than earlier modelling showed.

That’s fuelled concerns about finding temporary accommodation for those who live permanently in riverside homes or houseboats along the Murray, with forecast water levels to hit a peak not seen since 1975.

Loxton Waikerie chief executive David Beaton said council staff were concerned about looming issues of homelessness as water lapped riverside residents’ homes and staff worked to identify affected locals to find alternative accommodation.

“We have one houseboat where the people have lived on it for 35 years,” Beaton said.

“People who have lived either in a shack or in caravan parks or houseboats permanently, it becomes a big issue for potential homelessness.”

Sandbagging to protect caravan parks, homes and infrastructure along the river is well underway with some shack owners around Morgan and Blanchetown now abandoning their homes as roads are closed.

Shacks around Paisley estate island in Blanchetown were expected to be inundated with Beaton saying the area was home to several permanent residents including a couple with mobility issues.

A spokesman for the Premier said Housing SA is working with the local homeless service Assertive Outreach to identify vulnerable people along the riverbank to ensure they understand risks and encourage them to move from high-risk areas.

Premier Malinauskas said there was now also a “moderate probability of 165GL a day” flows across the border in early December and a low probability of this reaching 180GL a day with high flows expected to continue through January.

He met with Riverland leaders from Renmark Paringa Council members and Loxton State Emergency Service today.

Premier Peter Malinauskas inspects levee work with Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson (right). Photo: supplied

High water will cut off the high use main road between Berri and Loxton in the Riverland from about at 100GL, while ferries are expected to close and hundreds of homes near the River Murray banks are expected to be inundated.

“These new flow predictions are a concern for river communities and people need to be prepared for increasing rises in river levels,” Premier Malinauskas said in Renmark today.

“I urge people to keep informed through the SES website so they can prepare and give themselves the best possible chance to get through this difficult period,” he said.

The flow across the border in 1974 was recorded at 180GL a day and the largest River Murray flood on record in 1956 flood peaked at 341GL a day.

Malinauskas also met with Renmark houseboat business operators that deliver more than $4 million in hire fees to the region, as work is completed to provide safer moorings.

Renmark Paringa Council previously announced a delivery of steel mooring pylons would be cut to size by Ruston Engineering before being driven into the ground at mooring sites at Lock 5, Ral Ral Creek,  Liba Liba, Small Craft Marina and Renmark Riverfront.

Houseboat Hirers Association figures showed the houseboat industry in Renmark Paringa employs more than 50 people and provides 85,840 bed nights from commercial houseboat operators in area, but high flows mean businesses will be hit hard with bookings drying up.

Human Services Minister Nat Cook responded to concerns about those being forced to leave their homes, saying senior officials have travelled to the area regularly to understand what is happening and to plan appropriate responses, attending the State Emergency Centre and preparing for emergency relief if required. 

“Housing SA has identified possible relief centres sites, is training relief centre workers and has contacted organisations like Lions and Rotary who may assist with emergency relief,” she said.

 “Hotels and motels have been identified in the event of activating large-scale emergency accommodation. 

 “Housing SA is working with the local homeless service on assertive outreach for vulnerable people along the riverbank to ensure they understand risk and encourage to move from high risk areas.”

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs urged river communities to push ahead with sandbagging and to take precautions as river flows continue to rise.

“It’s important that river communities remain vigilant and continue to prepare, particularly those with low lying shacks,” he said.

“Our emergency services are well prepared, and are continuing to work with communities in advance of anticipated high-water flows.”

Housing SA is closely monitoring risks in the Riverland and working with other emergency response and relief organisations.