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AAP
AAP
Environment
Tim Dornin

Liberals push for inquiry into Murray flood response

The opposition has moved to establish a parliament inquiry into the floods and government response. (Tim Dornin/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The South Australian opposition has moved to establish a parliamentary inquiry into summer's devastating floods along the Murray River.

Flooding peaked in December and January, inundating about 4000 properties in SA with many requiring a complete rebuild or substantial repairs after water levels rose to their highest in more than half a century.

Opposition Leader David Speirs said an independent review was important to ensure SA was better prepared for future floods and so affected communities could have confidence in the government's response and recovery efforts.

"By establishing a select committee, our aim is to thoroughly investigate key aspects of the disaster, including the roles and responsibilities at all levels of government, the grants processes and river flow management and modelling," Mr Speirs said.

"South Australia deserves to be better prepared for future flood events, and affected communities deserve confidence in the government's response and recovery efforts."

Riverland MP Tim Whetstone said while the government announced a major funding package to help those impacted, only a small amount had been provided to those who need it.

"Many in my community have told me the application process is so complex and there's simply too much red tape when it has come to accessing these important grants," the Liberal MP said.

"I think it's vital we take a deep dive into the grants process as it's important this kind of funding gets to affected businesses in a timely manner."

Premier Peter Malinauskas said there were always reviews into natural disasters but they were not normally conducted by political committees.

"Bear in mind, the consequences of the flood are still being felt in that community," he said.

"That's why we continue to roll out economic stimulus programs and continue to invest in the rebuild of the area."

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