Editors Note a VNR and OLAY of SES activities at Wanaaring is available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/XjvOwTbuWI
Flood waters are slowly receding at Wanaaring and flowing downstream, after major flooding peaked on the Paroo River on Tuesday.
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have been working closely with the Bourke Shire Council who have been building up the levee to protect residents.
NSW SES have been closely monitoring the levee conditions and have sandbagged properties in the area.
The town is expected to remain isolated for several weeks, despite the river levels having already peaked.
NSW SES Community Liaison Officers based In Bourke have been flown into the town each day to assist with welfare checks and facilitate resupply.
NSW SES Superintendent Josh Clark said the focus will now shift to the Barwon and Darling Basin between Bourke and Menindee as the water slowly moves along the Paroo and Warrego rivers.
“Eventually all this record water which has flowed into the state from Queensland will work its way through the catchment down towards Menindee Lakes,” Superintendent Clark said.
“NSW SES is in regular contact with landowners, the local councils to provide them with the latest updates from the Bureau of Meteorology, Water NSW and Agriculture and Animal Services.
“We may see many areas become isolated and potentially face prolonged disruptions once the water subsides due to damage to infrastructure.
“NSW SES has positioned rescue teams, community liaison officers, high clearance vehicles, aviation assets and out of area teams throughout the region ready to support impacted residents.
Superintendent Clark praised the community for their efforts so far, with widespread isolations and impacts already being felt.
“The positive thing is the community have been responding to our warnings and so far, we have not had to undertake any flood rescues, which is a great outcome,” he said.
A community meeting was held last night, 9 April, which was well attended. The NSW SES will be holding regular meetings throughout the flood event until conditions improve.
Media enquiries:
NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234