Warning of what lurks beneath after large tree pulled from Murray River

A tree weighing eight tonnes is among the items being fished out of South Australia’s Murray River as floodwater continues to recede. 

The removal has prompted a warning to people using the river for recreational purposes to be cautious of other floating objects that may be under the surface. 

SA Water River Murray operations senior manager Garry Fyfe said the tree had weighed up to 12 tonnes before its limbs were trimmed.

The tree was floating in the river near Lock 2 at Waikerie and was removed after concerns were raised it would damage infrastructure.

“We decided to pull it out rather than let it smash into the weir and potentially do damage to the walkways and handrails and where we actually drive the cranes and do all the work in regulating the river,” Mr Fyfe said.

“We’re also starting to see more and more people out and starting to enjoy the water which is really good so you’ve got water skiers and others out and about.” 

Mr Fyfe said the tree was removed by the team’s 300-tonne boat, which contained a crane.

“We were able to basically hook it up and lift it out and delicately place it on the bank and hopefully it can be used it for wildlife refuge going forward,” he said.

River caution

SA Water staff also removed a barbecue from the water and warned people using the river to be cautious. 

“While that one was quite easy to see there are plenty of others that are floating around that are not as easy to see,” Mr Fyfe said.

“So we’re still urging people to be cautious out on the river at the moment because there are plenty of submerged items out there still.”

Retrieving items

A Facebook page has been created in a bid to locate items lost in floodwater, or reunite owners with items that had washed up in the River Murray. 

The group is called Lost and Found Flood Stuff Riverland. 

Multiple photos revealing washed up items are posted every day, including plastic containers, rainwater tanks, picnic settings and canoes.