The clean up along the River Murray is in full swing with more than 1,000 tons of refuse already collected from kerbsides in river communities.

The flood event is among the most significant natural disasters in South Australia’s history, with about 4,000 properties impacted by floodwaters.

The state and federal governments have worked together to provide hardship and accommodation grants to impacted residents.

Green Industries SA (GISA) is the lead state government agency for disaster waste management and has been coordinating the urgent immediate clean-up activity in affected areas, using local contractors.

Major work will now start under the primary contractor Disaster Management Australia (DMA), a subsidiary of the John Lyng Group, which has led similar flood clean ups in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

This will see DMA expand the clean-up activity and conduct structural assessments and hazardous waste removal, including the safe removal of asbestos at no cost to property owners.

The option for demolition for properties too severely impacted for repair will also be offered at no cost to property owners.

Property owners registered with GISA will be contacted directly by a representative from DMA about the next steps for their situation and assigned a case manager to work through the process of assessment, removal and make safe activities.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt says the recovery and rebuilding effort is well underway.

“It’s not too late for people to apply for assistance, and I’d encourage people to visit the Services Australia and SA Government website to see what’s available.”

Deputy Premier Susan Close says residents and businesses along the River Murray can expect to see a lot of activity in the coming weeks.

“Since roads became more accessible, local crews have removed more than 1,000 tonnes of waste up and down the River. 

“This includes sand from sandbags to be reused in the rebuilding and repair of the region, and scrap metal that will be reprocessed at an Adelaide facility.”

For more information about property assessments visit Green Industries SA