News

NSW State Emergency Service is working to resupply a number of communities isolated by flooding in Collarenebri, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Goodooga, Brewarrina and parts of Bourke.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said this was a very complex and evolving situation.

“The size of the area is about 40,000 square kilometres – more than half the size of Tasmania,” she said. 

“Roads have intermittently been cut for several weeks now, with resupply missions needing to take place by airplane to regional depots, before being loaded onto helicopters and finally transported by vehicles and boats to the desired recipients.

“With renewed flooding expected, we anticipate this remote outreach will need to continue for some time. We are conducting regular flights to ensure the 5000 or so isolated residents receive the essential foods, medicines, mail and essentials they need.

“As the flood water recedes we hope access will improve, however if people are in need of resupply they should get in touch with the NSW SES.

Meanwhile NSW SES volunteers have been busy in Condolobin as major flooding continues on the Lachlan River.

Volunteers have been active assisting the community with door knocking, sandbagging and conducting flood rescues.

Assistant Commissioner Hogan said the NSW SES was bracing for declining weather conditions over the next 48 hours.

“Through Sunday and Monday we are prepping for a large amount of rainfall as a result of severe storms which are predicted to come through the state which unfortunately could lead to renewed riverine flooding and dangerous flash flooding.

“The NSW SES is urging residents to not drive or play in flood waters. The risk of flooded roads poses a very dangerous risk in already flood affected communities where rivers are full and all additional water will run off and cause some areas to flood very quickly,” she said.

For the last 24 hours NSW SES have performed 5 flood rescues and received 145 requests for assistance.