1 December 2022

A new 50-metre exclusion zone around electricity powerlines standing in River Murray floodwaters has been imposed from today to help keep communities safe and avoid unnecessary disconnections.

The 50-metre exclusion will help minimise the potential for disconnection of power supply for Riverland communities as well as keeping people safe from electrocution and electric shock.

SA Power Networks has advised there are thousands of power poles across the Riverland flood plains, with many already standing in or submerged by flood waters. People are warned to keep well clear of the powerlines for their own and others’ safety.

Flood modelling shows that at the 160 GL flood level around 3,000 poles will be standing in water and a further 1,000 if levels reach 200 GL.

In general, it is highly recommended that all vessels stay away from the flood plain areas where possible. Should entry to the area be required, vessel operators must observe the 50 metre exclusion zone around powerlines and infrastructure.

Failure to adhere to this direction could result in prosecution and significant fines.

People should always assume powerlines are live and potentially lethal, and the risk is heightened with the presence of water. Avoiding the area is the safest course of action.

SA Power Networks advises that if you see a downed or low powerline you should stay well clear and report it immediately on 13 13 66.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy and Mining

To help maintain electricity supply to the Riverland region, the majority of power lines will remain live. This needs to be supported by an exclusion zone to reduce any potential risk to the community. Keeping people clear of electricity infrastructure is the safest course of action.

The exclusion zone will allow the continued safe operations of powerlines in flood plains. This will assist irrigators and communities outside the reach of flooding, who rely on power supplied by powerlines now standing in plains affected by flood waters.

The government is relying on the community to observe these exclusion zones to help keep everyone safe and assist in maintaining power supply for as many people as possible.