December 10, 2024 – The NSW SES has advised people in the following areas should PREPARE TO ISOLATE for up to 7 to 10 days due to predictions that the Barwon River is expected to experience river level rises over the coming weeks.
Locations that may be affected are low lying rural properties and homesteads on the Barwon River:
– Downstream of Walgett to Brewarrina
– Areas surrounding Brewarrina
– Downstream of Brewarrina to Bourke
You should monitor the situation and prepare to be isolated by floodwater. Consider the effects isolation will have on family, work, and educational commitments.
You may be trapped without power, water, and other essential services and it may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you.
What are we expecting?
- Low lying farmland adjacent to the Barwon River between Walgett and Bourke may become isolated.
- Livestock, machinery and pumps in low lying areas may be affected and should be moved to higher ground.
- Low lying bridges, and roads may be affected.
- Unsealed roads may become unpassable.
What you need to do:
- If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, use it now. Otherwise, have a conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
- Be prepared – you may be isolated for an extended period of time. Make sure you have essential supplies prepared to last for at least three to five days, including food, drinking water, medications, pet food, and animal feed.
- Be prepared – you may lose services including power, communications, water, sewerage, and gas. Relocate waste containers, chemicals, and poisons well above the flood level.
- Companion animals and livestock should be relocated to higher ground that will not become an island.
- Monitor the situation closely for updates on rain and river conditions.
- Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours, and help others prepare for isolation where possible.
- If you are isolated and require resupply, contact NSW SES on 132 500.
- People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground.
For more information:
- Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au and 2WEB Outback Radio.
- Follow SES on social media @NSWSES or visit their website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk
- Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/
- Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701
- Check disruptions to public transport at www.transportnsw.info/alerts or call the Transport Infoline on 131 500
NSW SES Flood Notice for fow lying areas around Brewarrina available HERE.
NSW SES Flood Notice for low lying areas from Walgett to Brewarrina available HERE.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
