Not Enough Water
In 2008, Milang, a small town on the shores of Lake Alexandrina in South Australia, faced severe challenges due to one of the worst droughts in its history. The Murray-Darling Basin, which feeds the lake, suffered from dramatically reduced water flows, leaving the lake levels critically low. For Milang, a town historically reliant on the lake for fishing, recreation, and tourism, the impact was profound. The once-thriving shoreline became dry and dusty, with wide expanses of exposed lakebed replacing water.
Environmental stress was visible everywhere. Native wildlife struggled to survive, vegetation withered, and the local ecosystem teetered on collapse. The drought also caused salinity levels to rise, further endangering aquatic life and plant health. Community members faced emotional and financial strain, with local farmers hit hardest by water restrictions and crop failures.
Despite the hardship, the people of Milang pulled together. Local organizations, like the Milang and District Community Association, played a key role in supporting residents and advocating for sustainable water solutions. Community spirit and resilience shone through, laying the groundwork for future environmental restoration efforts. The 2008 drought remains a powerful reminder of both the fragility of the region and the strength of the people who call Milang home.
Too Much Water
In early 2023, Milang, a town on the shores of Lake Alexandrina in South Australia, faced significant flooding due to a combination of high inflows from the River Murray, strong winds, and elevated tides. These conditions led to the inundation of low-lying areas, particularly affecting lakeside shacks and infrastructure. The Milang Jetty and Boat Ramp were closed for safety reasons, and SA Power Networks disconnected power to several properties due to water encroachment .
In response, the community mobilized swiftly. Over 100 residents attended an emergency meeting at the Milang Regatta Club to coordinate efforts and receive updates. Despite a national shortage of sandbags, emergency services managed to supply them to protect vulnerable properties . The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) increased its presence in the area, and additional resources, including snake catchers, were deployed due to rising encounters with displaced wildlife. An Emergency Relief Centre was established in nearby Murray Bridge to provide support, including financial aid and accommodation assistance, to those affected .
InDaily, Inside South Australia
The 2023 flood highlighted both the environmental vulnerabilities of Milang and the resilience of its community, as residents and authorities worked together to mitigate the impact and support recovery efforts.
