LAST night, state coordinator, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, said due to "significant improvements in the conditions within the northern parts of SA, including the reopening of the Stuart Highway to allow the provision of services to affected communities, he was rescinding the Major Emergency Declaration in respect to the extreme weather occurring across the north and west of SA as a result of Ex-tropical cyclone Tiffany.
The recovery operation has been handed over to the assistant state coordinator of recovery - Nick Reade, who is chief executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
"I would like to sincerely thank every volunteer, agency and local who helped and continues to help with the efforts in flood affected areas and communities," Commissioner Stevens said.
"I'm always blown away at how the SA community comes together in times of need to help those affected by fire, flood and other emergencies."
Officers from the Department of Premier and Cabinet's recovery team met with Eyre Peninsula councils yesterday to discuss the ongoing impacts of the floods and recovery.
"Key departments responsible for road maintenance are finalising a road repair prioritisation list for tens of thousands of kilometres of sealed, unsealed, access and private roads," Commissioner Stevens said.
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"A staged re-opening of Stuart Highway continues. One lane is open, with trucks and 4WD vehicles able to travel in one direction at a time, with a maximum speed of 20km/hr. I have been advised there are no significant issues at this stage.
"Repairs to the Marla to Oodnadatta Road are progressing. The road is now open to 4WD traffic, with a view to enable heavy vehicle travel in the coming days allowing access into and out of Oodnadatta.
"But please continue to limit travel to or through the affected areas.
"The SES is in contact with outback communities including Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and is monitoring critical supplies. SAPOL have a presence in situ at Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and is continuing to monitor the situation. Two food deliveries totalling about 500kg have been delivered to Oodnadatta in the past two days with the assistance of the SES, RFDS and private operators."
The Australian Rail Track Corporation are continuing to work on restoring rail infrastructure, with a target of finishing next Tuesday, while SA Health are exploring all options to organise delivery of larvacide to key areas, for use in controlling mosquito breeding.
The Storm and Flood Damage Infoline is active on 1800 302 787.
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