She says the improvement is a result of local rainfall and inflows to the Lower Lakes from streams in the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges.

Since mid-June 2008, Lake Alexandrina at Milang has increased from 0.47 metres below sea level to its current level of 0.25 metres below sea level.

Lake Albert at Meningie has increased from 0.5 metres below sea level to 0.2 metres below sea level.

"Conditions in the Lower Lakes and River Murray inflows will continue to be monitored closely to inform the Government’s decision-making process," she said.

"The improvement in conditions has allowed pumping to be reduced from Lake Alexandrina into Lake Albert.

"However, severe drought conditions are continuing in the Murray-Darling Basin and while the State Government still regards the temporary weir as a last resort, we must continue preparatory works in case a weir is needed as an emergency measure.

"As a result, preliminary site access works will continue, including construction of an access road, as soon as possible once relevant approvals have been received."

A full Environmental Arial Statement into the temporary weir is continuing.

Mrs Maywald says modelling, undertaken in conjunction with the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, indicates that Lake Alexandrina will be at a high risk of acidification if the water level drops to about 1.25 metres below sea level.

"To ensure an adequate buffer, current modelling suggests that the trigger point for construction of the weir be set at 1.0 metres below sea level," she said.