Reminders of 2021 continue to course through the Western Plains, as water from the November flooding event makes its way into Brewarrina, where the Barwon River is expected to peak today at 8.70 metres.

The main flood peak along the Barwon River has now passed Boorooma, and is expected to reach Brewarrina today with moderate flooding, before the peak reaches Bourke in mid-January. 

The flooding in the area has seen many areas and localities isolated, including Lightning Ridge, where SES volunteers entered the community on Christmas day to bring supplies to the town via helicopter. 

SES Flood rescue operator Liam Hogan urged locals in isolated communities not to attempt flooded roads. 

“What we’re asking all of the community to do is to do your part, and not go into flood waters. We’ve done over 200 rescues so far,” Mr Hogan said. 

SES Volunteers have been deployed along Darling River towns to prepare for flooding.

Instead, locals are urged to check road conditions via livetraffic.com to see which roads have been closed. As of December 17, the Kamilaroi Highway from Walgett to Bourke, with Brewarrina in between, has been closed in both directions. 

SES volunteers within the Far West Command have been deployed within the last week in further preparation for flooding along the Darling River, including in Bourke and Brewarrina, as well as communities further west along the Darling River.

Already, the Darling River at Bourke is likely to exceed moderate flood level today at 11.40 metres. It isn’t expected to peak until next week, at 12.40 metres. 

Flooding is expected to ease at Walgett, where floodwaters have closed various highways and roads, isolating several areas. 

The Barwon River at Walgett is likely to fall below the minor flood level (10.50 metres) this Wednesday, 5 January.