Western NSW update

NSW SES is responding to ongoing flooding in Western NSW as floodwater from Queensland moves south.

We have a significant number of volunteers and pre-deployed assets in Western NSW, along with local volunteers actively supporting the community.

Community advice

Moderate to major flooding is expected on the Paroo, Namoi and Warrego Rivers in Western NSW early next week, similar to the 1990 and 2010 floods.

Communities could be isolated for up to six weeks in areas including Wanaaring, Hungerford, Yantabulla, Fords Bridge, Gumbalie, and Enngonia. Some roads are already impassable, impacting supply routes and limiting access to services.

Shorter isolation periods are expected for Wee Waa, Pilliga, and Gwabegar. NSW SES is assisting with resupplies for isolated communities over the coming weeks.

For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Download the Hazards Near Me App for the latest warnings and information.
Check road and traffic conditions with Live Traffic NSW
For assistance with livestock management, please call the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on: 1800 814 647
For free health advice 24/7, call Healthdirect at 1800 022 222. If you need support in another language, contact TIS National at 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.
For Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander support, call 13 YARN - 13 92 76
For guidance on how to stay safe when cleaning up after a flood visit 'Clean up advice' page.

Resupply information

In the event of flooding or storms in Western NSW, the NSW SES is available to assist isolated residents with resupply of essential items like water, food, and medicines, and can do so by boat or aircraft if needed.

If you are isolated and require resupply of critical food and medical items, here’s where to start:

Call NSW SES on 132500 for a resupply request. The operator will give you a reference number to use for resupply orders.
Once you have the SES Reference number, contact your local outlet and place your order.
NSW SES will contact the outlet to arrange pickup and delivery of the order, which may be from boat, or helicopter.

Farmers and rural properties

If you are a primary producer and need assistance with livestock management, please call the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on: 1800 814 647

Listen to advice from your Local Lands Services.
Move livestock to higher ground early and provide elevated feeding stations to keep feed dry.
Move chemical stores and hazardous materials to higher ground.
Cut or open fencing to allow animals to move if necessary.
Keep pets inside and ensure working animals (dogs, horses) are safe.
Store copies of insurance policies, property deeds and livestock records in a waterproof document holder.

What to do to prepare for flooding and isolation

Stock up on essential supplies including nonperishable foods (canned goods, UHT milk, dry foods, baby formula), water and medications.
Keep up to date with information by listening to ABC radio at 657 AM or 2WEB at 585 AM.
Download the Hazards Near Me app and follow us on social media @NSWSES
Prepare for power outages by keeping torches, extra batteries and a supply of non-electric lighting and heating options in an easily accessible location
It’s important to prepare your property for floods. Visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/plan-andprepare/flood to learn more
Landholders are urged to move livestock, pumps and other assets to higher ground.
Keep your pets and companion animals close by for safety.
Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater. If it's flooded, forget it.

Power and Water

Some drinking water may become impacted and subjected to boil water notices. Contact your local water supply service provider.
Locate your utilities and learn how to turn off the mains supply for power, gas and water before an emergency. Power outages may occur as the weather unfolds.
For the latest updates on power, visit www.essentialenergy.com.au or call 13 20 80 to report faults or electrical emergencies.

The Walgett Shire Council is advising residents for Rowena Water Supply to boil water following high levels of E. coli. For more information visit: https://www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/Boil-Water-Alert-Rowena-Water-Supply

How to make water safe:

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.
If you can’t boil water due to a power outage, add 2 drops (or 4 if water is cloudy) of unscented household bleach (containing 4%-5% available chlorine) per 1L of water, mix, and let sit for 30 minutes before use.

What to use boiled water for:

Drinking, food prep, washing uncooked food (e.g., salads, fruits), brushing teeth, and pets' water.
Avoid swallowing water while bathing and consider sponge baths for children.

Sandbag locations and guide

Locations

Sand and sandbags are available from Wanaaring RFS

How to use sandbags

Wear gloves when handling sandbags.
Fill with sand to 2/3 full using a shovel. Take care when lifting heavy sandbags.
Place in alternating rows across doorways or gaps where floodwaters may enter your property

For more information, visit Using sandbags to protect your home page.

Local council details

Bourke Shire Council 02 6830 8000
Brewarrina Shire Council 02 6830 5100
Walgett Shire Council 02 6828 1399
NSW Aboriginal Land Council Western Zone 02 6885 7000

Evacuation Centres

Emergency checklists

Recovery information

Current NSW SES warnings

View real-time warnings for flood, severe weather and tsunami in NSW by downloading the Hazards Near Me App and setting your watch zones, or using the below HazardWatch map.

Download for iOS | Download for Android

Advice

An incident has started. Stay up to date as the situation changes.

Watch and Act

There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family. NSW SES does not issue a Watch and Act level warning for tsunami.