With the flood threat today focused on the Adelaide Hills, and businesses across the state counting the cost of the past week’s wild weather, an ecologist says there will be an upside – in the longer term – for South Australia’s environment.

The State Government has announced an independent review into last week’s state-wide power blackout, to be led by former SA Police Commissioner Gary Burns.

University of Adelaide ecologist Professor Andy Lowe said the floods would cause a proliferation of plants and a baby boom among native animals across the state – although some flora and fauna will suffer in the short term.

“We’ll get a flush of the native vegetation and we’ll get a flush of the animals,” Lowe told InDaily.

“What we will see is quite an extended growth season.

“It’s going to be a very good growth season for a range of plants, and therefore [a boon for] animals.”

He said there would be a burst of new flora across the state, leading to a baby boom among herbivores – which would, in turn, provide carnivores with more prey to hunt.

“When conditions are good, plants and animals can [respond] very quickly,” he added.

He said that while the floods would damage crops, the soil would hold huge quantities of water, improving conditions for agriculture in the longer term.

“This will do a lot to renew aquifers and underground water,” he said.

“The longer-term impact is looking to be a positive one.”

But it’s not all good news for South Australia’s ecosystem.

Some animals will drown in the floodwaters, said Lowe, and some plants will be susceptible to root rot, and may not cope with extended water-logging.

But he said that as long as the state begins to dry up soon, these impacts would be minimal compared with the benefits to the ecosystem.

Flood emergency continues

The State Emergency Service responded to around 200 calls for help this morning, most from Adelaide Hills areas.

People in Hahndorf, Echunga and Mount Barker were among those requesting assistance.

SES have eyes on the dams around Hahndorf. Dams overflowing but none have failed. Engineers and air observers on the way to investigate.

— SA SES (@SA_SES) October 4, 2016

The main road through the town of Hahndorf has been flooded.

Hahndorf Old Mill Hotel Manager Craig Fromm said his staff had been trying to keep the rooms dry, but some took in half a metre of water.

SA’s recent poor weather has had a “massive effect” on the business in Hahndorf, he said.

“As soon as a weather warning comes out, people from Adelaide simply don’t come to Hahndorf,” he said.

“Compared to this time last year, business has been cut by around half.

“Last week was the worst for business in the five and a half years I have been here.”

Some bridges at Hahndorf are under water, but levels seem to be receding @abcnews pic.twitter.com/KpoUovzWTD

— Nicola Gage (@Nicola_Gage) October 4, 2016

Hahndorf Hill Winery co-owner Marc Dobson says flooding at the vineyard is the worst he’s seen in at least 15 years.

“Usually grape farmers spray their vines with copper and sulphur to protect them from fungal diseases, but the vineyards are just too waterlogged for our tractors get in there and do the spraying,” he said.

“So there is a risk that grapes could be wiped out from those diseases.”

The SES said the speed of emergency calls on Tuesday was dropping, as a vigorous westerly airstream moving across the state eases.

But it is warning that flooding of the Bremer River may threaten people’s safety.

It has issued a watch and act alert for the upper and middle parts of the Onkaparinga River, affecting Verdun, Lobethal, Oakbank, Woodside and Hahndorf.

The #Hahndorf main st open but rd from SE Freeway closed at Verdun & Ambleside turnoffs cos Onkaparinga River has burst banks #FIVEaaNews pic.twitter.com/DZXRQsZD1E

— Matthew Pantelis (@MatthewPantelis) October 4, 2016

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued generalised flood warnings for the Angas and Bremer Rivers, a moderate flood warning for the Onkaparinga River and a minor flood warning for the River Torrens.

High winds could also affect Mount Gambier, Clare, Murray Bridge, Naracoorte, Meningie and Burra, with wind speeds exceeding 90 kph in some areas.

According to SES flood advice for the Langhorne Creek area, “heavy rain has resulted in flooding in the Bremer River, which may threaten you and your family’s safety”.

“Locations which may be impacted include Langhorne Creek.

“If you live or work in these locations, you should check and action your Emergency Flood Plan now.

“If your plan is to leave, if you require time to leave or if you are not prepared, you should consider leaving now.”

Operational tempo is high at the moment. Volunteers and Staff from all agencies are working hard to get to everyone. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/BS8A4mlvWf

— SA SES (@SA_SES) October 4, 2016

#Your ADF has filled & delivered 100k sandbags in 24hrs to assist #SAfloods pic.twitter.com/0EZuid7UMT

— Mark Binskin (@MarkBinskin_CDF) October 1, 2016

Minister for Emergency Services Peter Malinauskas welcomes @vicsesnews volunteers to SA to help respond to #SAfloods pic.twitter.com/GeL7CS2NEa

— Chris Beattie (@ChrisBeattieSES) October 3, 2016

The worst of the wild weather has passed for Adelaide and the Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula, with conditions expected to improve on this afternoon.

According to the SES, the flood risk for the Gawler River has reduced – though river levels remain higher than normal.

The SES flood advice message for Gawler warns against walking, riding or driving through floodwaters.

It says residents of flooded home should not turn electricity back on “until it has been checked by a qualified electrician and be aware that your household water supply may not be safe”.

With AAP.