Background
Bank stabilisation works across the district at Loxton, Waikerie, Ramco and Paisley are focused on addressing riverbank erosion and strengthening the long-term resilience of key riverfront areas. These works are designed to protect public infrastructure, improve safety and ensure the ongoing stability of valued community spaces along the river.
The broader riverfront improvement program was initially supported through SA Constraints Measures funding, which enabled bank stabilisation and a range of smaller-scale works along the Loxton Riverfront. These earlier elements provided important foundations for the current program, which now concentrates on the construction and delivery of targeted bank stabilisation projects funded through multiple streams.
The current program has also facilitated the development of detailed designs for a number of other riverfront upgrades, which Council will seek to progress when the opportunity arises.
Funding Information
Bank stabilisation works across the district, and associated smaller riverfront-improvement projects, have been funded through multiple streams:
The South Australia Constraints Measures project is removing constraints, or barriers, to the delivery of environmental water, in order to improve the health of the South Australian River Murray's floodplains and wetlands.
The project is also aimed at improving access to the river and facilities for water managers, communities and landholders during natural high flow events.
To find out more about the South Australian Constraints Measures project visit the website.
The South Australia Constraints Measures project is being delivered by the Government of South Australia and funded by the Australian Government, as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
The Community and Recreational Asset Restoration Program supports eligible councils in restoring community infrastructure damaged by the River Murray flood event, including parks, boat ramps, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities.
The Program is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), and is administered by the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) as part of the Local Government Disaster Recovery Assistance Arrangements (LGDRAA).
The program aims to support communities in returning to pre-disaster living by reinstating important community and recreational assets. Restoration works contribute to rebuilding social and community connections, while also supporting the economic recovery of impacted regions.
The remediation of flood-damaged community and recreational infrastructure will restore important social and recreational amenities for River Murray residents, while also encouraging increased visitation and tourism across the region.
Project Information
Stage 3
Contractors have been engaged for the Waikerie and Paisley Bank Stabilisation projects, with works expected to commence at the end of May, ahead of the summer holiday period.
The projects have been developed to address erosion and improve the long-term stability of two highly used riverfront areas, while maintaining safe recreational access for the community.
At Waikerie, the riverfront supports a wide range of recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, rowing, and houseboat activity, with increased use during summer and holiday periods. The project is being delivered in stages, with Stage 1 involving toe protection works using specialised erosion control textiles to stabilise the lower riverbank and reduce erosion. Stage 2 will include rock beach protection and construction of a dedicated fishing area within a rock groyne bay designed to improve recreational use and swimmer safety. Further stages will be progressed as funding becomes available.
At Paisley, the stabilisation works will address erosion along a section of river regularly impacted by ski boats, recreational river traffic, wave action, and high wind events. Works will include installation of a sandbag barrier along the base of the riverbank, covered with erosion control fabric to assist with flood protection and support natural vegetation growth over time.
Construction is expected to take approximately four to six weeks at each location. Minimal disruption is anticipated during the works, however the community is asked to remain mindful of work zones to ensure safety for contractors and river users.
Following completion, the riverbanks will be left to naturally recover with minimal disturbance, supporting vegetation establishment and improving long-term bank stability.
Stage 2
With funding secured for Stage 2 of the project (through the Constraints Group Program and the Community Asset Restoration Program), Council progressed the design phase for bank stabilisation works at Waikerie, Ramco, and Paisley, as well as upgrades to the Loxton wharf. The works were aimed at protecting riverbanks from erosion, improving recreational access, and building resilience for future high river events.
Specialist consultants were engaged to develop concept designs for priority riverbank sections, including public access points and mooring areas, as well as the wharf. Community engagement was undertaken during the concept design phase in October 2025, with residents, businesses, river users, and other stakeholders invited to provide feedback on the initial plans.
Following this engagement period, detailed designs were completed, incorporating the feedback received from the community and stakeholders. The final designs were then progressed for approvals and subsequent delivery planning.
Document Library
Stage 1
Infrastructure and public amenities along the Loxton Riverfront have recently been upgraded allowing the community to enjoy the river while water for the environment is delivered.
Considered as 'Stage 1' of the project, the completed works include:
- Replacement of 3 sluice gates along the Loxton riverfront
- Installation of new public toilets at the Loxton Aquatic Club, Packard's Bend & the Lion's Park
- Engineering and installation of an upgraded community wastewater management system switchboard
- Bank stabilisation along the Loxton Aquatic Club riverbank
- Reinstatement of lawn and irrigation
- Installation of street furniture & site tidy up
