The small township of Innamincka in South Australia’s far northeast is grappling with significant challenges as flooding has rendered roads impassable, affecting both residents and businesses in the area. Ms. Jayne Whaite, co-manager of the Innamincka Trading Post, expressed concerns about the impact of the isolation during the tourist season, stating that it would have a “huge impact on the business.” However, she emphasized that “people’s lives are more important than turning the till over.”
Ms. Whaite noted that while it would be beneficial if the roads could be opened and made safe for travel, she remains skeptical about when that might happen. “I can’t see that happening in the near future — maybe a month or so down the track, maybe longer,” she said, reflecting the uncertainty that residents are facing.
In addition to Innamincka, other roads in the region, including those in Queensland and New South Wales, are also rendered impassable due to the extensive flooding. The State Emergency Service (SES) reported that floodwaters reached a height of 14.4 meters at the causeway on Cordillo Downs Road in Innamincka as of Friday morning.
The primary focus for Innamincka’s residents has been to ensure sufficient fuel supplies, as Ms. Whaite explained. “It was just a lot of stress with making sure that we get the fuel in to keep the choppers in the air to keep moving the cattle ahead of the water, instead of just walking away and seeing the devastation that it’s causing,” she said. The community has stocked up on fuel and food items, preparing for an extended period of isolation.
With a floodwater levee surrounding the town, the less-than-two-dozen residents are bracing themselves for weeks without access to external supplies. The Strzelecki Track, a crucial 472-kilometer rural road connecting Innamincka with Lyndhurst, is closed and impassable east of Moomba, according to the SES. They have advised that the flood impacts in Innamincka and surrounding pastoral areas are likely to persist for “a few months.”
As the situation unfolds, the SES has urged anyone planning to travel into the northeastern part of the state to reconsider their plans. “Do not assume supplies are available. No fuel or food is available in Innamincka for travelers,” they warned, highlighting the precarious situation for those who might venture into the area.
Residents of Innamincka are showing resilience in the face of these challenges, but the ongoing flooding raises significant concerns about their safety and access to essential resources in the coming weeks.
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