In late 2022, South Australia experienced its largest flood since 1956. Between November 2022 and February 2023, the River Murray reached a peak flow of 186 gigalitres per day.
More than 3,500 properties and 4,000 hectares of farmland were impacted over the course of the flood event.
Green Industries SA led the disaster waste management and clean-up following the event.
The clean-up program commenced in February 2023, and concluded in May 2025.
Clean-up measures completed through the program included:
- kerbside collections of waste
- sandbag removal
- disposal vouchers
- structural assessments
- hazard reduction and demolition, where necessary.
The program supported South Australian business, with 90% of on-ground works completed by 42 local suppliers.
The clean-up by numbers
- 1,941 properties registered for assistance
- 1,030 waste disposal vouchers redeemed
- 639 site assessments completed, with reports provided to property owners
- 123 hazard reductions works (removal of asbestos and removal or treatment of mould) completed
- 430 demolitions completed, following multiple approval procedures (including cultural assessments, power disconnections, and owner sign-off)
- 34,726 tonnes of waste material collected and disposed of
- 5,195 items (59 tonnes) removed from the river, including water tanks, pine posts, fridges and other small items
- 1, 381 tonnes of asbestos collected and safely disposed of
FAQs
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Has the clean-up program finished?
Yes. The River Murray flood clean-up program completed final works in May 2025. Since the start of the program in February 2023, GISA has provided support to more than 1,900 property owners including 430 demolitions and 123 hazard reductions.
More than 34,000 tonnes of flood affected material has been collected through kerbside collection, removal from the river via barge, or as part of requested demolition and hazard reduction works.
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Who can I talk to about the clean-up program?
To contact GISA regarding the outcomes of the program please call 08 8204 2051, or submit an online contact form.
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I still have not reached a resolution with my insurance provider. Are there any organisations that may be able to assist me?
Services available to you that may be of assistance are:
- Community Justice Services SA
Community Justice Services SA will provide free legal help for those affected by the floods in the Riverland, Murray Bridge and Southern Adelaide.
Phone: 1300 850 650
Visit website.
- Disaster Legal help: Legal Services Commission SA
Disaster Legal help: Legal Services Commission SA can provide a lawyer specialising in disaster-related legal issues, offering legal information and advice on insurance claims, disputes, financial hardship, tenancy, and Centrelink matters. Please have your insurance claim number ready.
Phone: 1300 366 424
Visit website
- Australian Financial Complaints Authority
For independent despite resolution if you are having difficulty with an insurance claim.
Phone: 1800 931 678
Visit website
- Insurance Council of Australia Hotline
Lost Insurance documentation from the flood and general enquiries about Insurance Claim processes.
Phone: 1800 734 621
Legal Guides:
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Can I get waste collected from outside my property?
The additional services for kerbside collection of flood-affected material under the program ended in 2023.
For regular waste and recycling services (including hard rubbish), residents should contact their local council and follow their advice. Hard rubbish services may include dump vouchers or collection, based on your location and council. You can find your local council on the Local Government Association SA website.
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Can my builder leave any construction waste out to be collected for free?
No building or construction waste from private contractors can be left on your kerbside. It will not be collected.
Property owners should confirm with any privately contracted builders that waste removal will be undertaken as part of their service.
There is no circumstance where a builder, carpenter or tradesperson you have hired to do work on your property should leave waste arising from that work on the kerbside. It will not be collected for free.
Materials left on the kerbside may be considered illegal dumping.
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Can I still register for support under the program?
No. Registrations closed in October 2023.
