UP

DA

TE S

EP

T 2

01

8

Construction Update September 2018

Construction of the South East Flows Restoration Project (SEFRP) continued through August 2018. Drainage flows and

wet ground conditions have placed a temporary hold on works until late spring 2018 when the remaining 5 of the 85

structures will be completed as well as finishing works along the entire drain corridor.

With sufficient rainfall accumulating in the Blackford

catchment over the recent winter months, a trial diversion of

water into the newly completed SEFRP channel commenced

on Tuesday 4 September 2018. It involves closure of the gates

on the new Blackford regulator which is situated just

downstream of the new channel, so that water is pushed back

upstream enabling water to flow north into the new flowpath.

Flow releases are continuing and vary between 150 to

250 ML/day along the drain corridor. It is successfully

demonstrating the operational capabilities of the new

flow path and flows will continue to be monitored over

the coming weeks (Note 1ML = 1 megalitre = 1 million

litres).

Landholders are making a significant contribution in this trial, by

actively monitoring flows through their properties and reporting

their observations to project staff.

Localised water diversion into the Yeulba and Taratap Swamps

allowed 800ha of en route wetlands to be filled this year, and will

provide optimal waterbird habitat over the coming seasons for

locally breeding species such as ducks and swans, and migratory

visitors like Latham’s Snipe and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.

Localised diversion into the Tilley Swamp Watercourse took place in

late July to assist with construction works in the main Tilley Swamp

Drain.

Trial water diversion into the new flowpath

Trial operation of the Blackford Regulator commenced on 4

September 2018.

Tilley Swamp Drain adjacent to Tilley Swamp

UP

DA

TE M

ON

TH

2016

The new regulating structure at the northern end of Morella Basin is reaching completion and passage for native fish

movement around this structure is the key focus when work resumes in late spring 2018.

Installing passage for native fish movement around the

upgraded Salt Creek outlet has progressed and due to

high water levels in the Coorong South Lagoon, works will

be completed in late 2018 as water levels allow. Recent

flows out of Salt Creek were required as part of the

construction program.

A section of the 2km Ngrugie Ngoppun Walk on the

northern side of Salt Creek remains closed during

construction to uphold public safety. No campgrounds or

other access within the Coorong National Park is

affected by this closure and further information is

available on the National Parks SA webpage.

Landholders continue to assist construction activities and are sincerely thanked for their cooperation and flexibility.

Cultural Heritage monitoring by the South East Aboriginal Focus Group and the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority has

assisted on ground works.

The South East Flows Restoration Project is part of the

Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Recovery Project

funded by the Australian Government and the South

Australian Government’s Murray Futures Program.

For more information

Natural Resources South East

South East Flows Restoration Project

www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast/projects/se-flows

Significant progress has been made

on the new regulating structure at

the northern end of Morella Basin.

Progress from July – Sept (L – R).

Construction to complete the new outlet structure and fish

passage at Salt Creek will resume when water levels allow.