Residents of River Murray communities where ferries are out of action and roads are closed could be eligible for financial assistance to ease the cost of paying for extra fuel.
Locals in flood-hit communities have been forced to add dozens of extra kilometres to routine daily trips in recent days and weeks, because floodwaters have cut arterial travel routes.
More than 120 roads and 10 out of 13 ferries have already been closed, with the Tailem Bend, Cadell and Narrung ferries also at risk of following suit in the coming days and weeks.
The South Australian government has announced one-off, $300 payments will be available to assist pensioners and low-income earners with travel costs.
"When the ferry closes at Tailem Bend, what is normally a 10-minute journey will extend out to approximately an hour round trip," Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
"That means a lot more fuel being used, which means a lot more money [being spent]."
Retiree, bakery owner and Meals on Wheels volunteer John McEntee lives at Jervois directly across the river from Tailem Bend.
"[For] us to lose a ferry here, we've got a 20-kilometre trip when it's only about three or four kilometres," he said.
But the flooding has had an even greater impact on his volunteer work, which requires him to drive to Murray Bridge to deliver meals to elderly residents.
"We're probably the only people they see, other than their families, each week," Mr McEntee said.
"You're looking at about $10, $15 worth of fuel each time.
"For us to go around, it's an 80-kilometre round trip, to go to Murray Bridge — that's the only way we can get around, so [the support] will make it a little bit easier."
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said pensioners, concession card holders, veterans and those receiving Centrelink support were among those who might be eligible.
He said applicants would be required to demonstrate additional travel times of at least 30 minutes three times a week.
"The payments will be made via electronic transfer, so very quickly into people's bank accounts — people will just need to demonstrate that the ferry closures or other road closures … are going to impact them," he said.
Those seeking to apply can do so in person at the relief centres at Berri, Mannum and Murray Bridge, or call the relief information life on 1800 302 787, the government said.
Mr Mullighan said thousands of people were likely to be eligible, and the government had estimated the total cost at between $1 million and $3 million.
"It's an important commitment for us to make, to make sure that people can stay mobile in these communities," he said.
"The last thing we want is for people to feel like they can't go about their daily lives because of these rising floodwaters."
