Media Release - Best Possible Outcome for Extraordinary Weather Events Assistance
Flinders Ranges Council has received confirmation that it will receive an indicative 98 per cent funding assistance from the State Government to support recovery efforts following the February 2026 Severe Weather Events.
The extraordinary weather events brought unprecedented rainfall across the Flinders Ranges Council region, resulting in widespread damage to the local road network, with no road left untouched. Flinders Ranges Council Mayor Ken Anderson said the scale of the event was far greater than anticipated. “The February weather event was certainly far more than we ever expected, and every road in the Council region was impacted in some way,” Mayor Anderson said. “Council crews worked tirelessly to restore access and ensure residents were able to reach their properties and are continuing to do so.”
Initial estimates placed the cost of damage at approximately $10 million, however, following a comprehensive assessment of the road network, the estimated damage has now increased to approximately $16 million. Council has submitted an application through the Local Government Disaster Recovery Assistance Arrangements. As part of the application process, Council has been required to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of the road network.
This has involved documenting every individual instance of damage, including its precise location and detailed information about the nature and extent of the damage. Council must also provide evidence of the condition of roads prior to the flooding. A specialist contractor has been engaged to undertake the detailed assessment and prepare the application on Council’s behalf, with this work now nearing completion.
Mayor Anderson said the indicative level of State Government assistance was extremely welcome news for Council and the community. “The scale of these repairs was always going to place a huge financial burden on Council, and ultimately our ratepayers,” Mayor Anderson said. “Council’s initial assessment was that we may have needed to contribute somewhere between 10 and 25 per cent of the total repair costs.”
Based on the current $16 million damage assessment, this could have meant Council needing to find between $1.6 million and $4 million from its own resources. “Finding between $1.6 million and $4 million would have been extremely difficult within an already tight Council budget and may have resulted in Council needing to borrow funds or take out a loan,” Mayor Anderson said.
“The news that the State Government’s financial contribution to the recovery works will be subject to a Council contribution capped at 10 per cent of average annual rates revenue is the best news we could have received. This provides Council with much greater certainty about where we stand financially and gives us the opportunity to plan and prioritise the permanent repair works that need to be undertaken across our road network. Council thanks the State Government for their support and commitment to regional areas.”
With the tourism season approaching its conclusion, Mayor Anderson said the timing also provides Council with an important opportunity to prepare for the next phase of recovery. “Due to requirements of the funding claim, Council is unable to undertake major repairs prior to the assessment and approval process is complete. Now that we know where we stand financially, we now have an opportunity to fully assess the network, prioritise the works required and prepare for the major repairs to commence as the assessment and funding processes progress,” he said.
“Council understands the frustration that residents and road users have experienced following the February event and appreciates the patience of the community while this important work has been undertaken. The road network is extensive, the damage is widespread, and Council is committed to ensuring the available funding is used effectively to restore and rebuild our roads for the long term.”