River Murray SA

South Australia has confirmed its first detection of H5 bird flu in a Southern Giant Petrel at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Southern Giant Petrel is a migratory seabird that breeds in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands between October and March. During the southern winter, these birds migrate north and can travel significant distances, including to the waters off South Australia.

Importantly, this is currently being treated as an isolated incident, and there are no detections in poultry anywhere in Australia at this time.

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a virus that can cause serious illness and death in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.

It’s important to stay alert to help protect SA from H5 bird flu.

If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them. Instead, take a photo or video, note the location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.

For more information, visit: pir.sa.gov.au/birdflu

This winter has brought heavy rainfall, resulting in increased inflows of water and sediment into the Patawalonga Lake system.

The recent flushing of the lake has restored it with fresh, clean ocean water, improving overall water quality. It’s especially pleasing to see this reflected in the return of healthy conditions, with resident dolphin June once again enjoying the waters of the Pat!

Today is World Oceans Day, in appreciation of this, DEW's Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth team thought it would be a great opportunity to share some of the ecological benefits of an open Murray Mouth and the connection of the River Murray to the ocean.

If you’d like to read more about the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth check out our website: https://bit.ly/coorong-lower-lakes-and-murray-mouth

Following significant rainfall within the Sturt, Keswick and Brownhill Creek catchments, the Patawalonga Lake has been utilised, in conjunction with the Barcoo Outlet, to manage the increased inflows of stormwater.

Due to the inflows, water in the Patawalonga Lake will be discoloured and may contain some small and large debris.

It is strongly recommended that recreational activities on the water are avoided until the system has cleared.

With a high tide and rain continuing, DEW are monitoring lake levels and water quality.

The water in the lake will be circulated over the coming days to flush out the stormwater.

Attention boaties:

River Vessel Waste Disposal Station (RVWDS) systems upgrade.

Contractors will perform system upgrades at the following RVWDS on the dates listed below:

▪️Goolwa RVWDS: 10-12 June.
▪️Murray Bridge RVWDS: 13-15 June

The stations will remain operational; however, minor delays may occur.

For a full list and map of the stations visit: http://environment.sa.gov.au/waste-disposal-stations

The end of the water use year is almost here.

If you're planning to trade water allocation for 2025/26, now is the time to act.

Applications must be received by Sunday 7 June to be processed before the end of the water year.

Not sure where to start? A water broker can help, or you can contact the Water Licensing Team on (08) 8372 7561 or email [email protected].

**** IMPORTANT UPDATE: FRIDAY 29 MAY ***

Unfortunately, due to the weather forecast, current site conditions, and associated safety concerns, the Sustaining Riverland Environments (SRE) team have made the decision to cancel the Bookmark Creek Community Planting Day scheduled for Friday 5 June.

While we are disappointed not to be proceeding with the event, the safety of volunteers and staff must remain our priority.

We would like to thank everyone who registered their interest and supported the event. Your enthusiasm for helping restore Bookmark Creek has been greatly appreciated.

We look forward to sharing updates as the planting progresses and encourage you to keep an eye on the site as new native vegetation becomes established along the walking trail and surrounding project area.

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Join the Sustaining Riverland Environments and the Riverland Native Plants teams on Friday June 5, to help revegetate Bookmark Creek with native species in celebration of World Environment Day.

📍New walking trail downstream of Ral Ral Avenue

⏱️ Planting session: From 10:00am to 2:00pm

☕ Coffee, drinks and light snacks provided

Family friendly. Children must be supervised. Everyone welcome! To register visit Bookmark Creek Revegetation Planting Event.

To register visit Bookmark Creek Revegetation Planting Event
https://events.humanitix.com/bookmark-creek-community-planting-day

Check out the Thukabi Monitoring Case Study, now live as part of Rivers, the Veins of our Country, highlighting First Nations–led projects under The Living Murray Program. The Thukabi monitoring program is a great initiative, delivered through the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Adelaide University with support from the Department for Environment and Water (Environment SA News).

Ever wondered how many thukabi (turtles) call the Lower Murray home? 🐢

The Ngarrindjeri community wanted to find out.

Drawing on First Nations knowledge alongside western science, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation partnered with the The University of Adelaide to design a thukabi monitoring program grounded in culture, science and Country.

See why their program earned a nomination for the SA Citizen Science Award and what it means for thukabi on Ngarrindjeri Country.

Read the case study: https://ow.ly/NMpf50YZf43

Rivers, the veins of our Country explores 6 case studies of First Nations led projects under The Living Murray Indigenous Partnership Program.