While the town of Condobolin battles isolation, fuel shortages and supply struggles, their biggest battle is yet to come with the Lachlan River expected to reach a peak of 7.60 metres tomorrow.  

The Lachlan River at Condobolin is currently at 7.42 metres which is already the worst flood on record.  

In preparation for the historic flooding event, the Condobolin SES Unit has advised their choice of weapon will be a Great Wall – a dirt levee bank along Mooney Street and Lachlan street to prevent the water from entering the town and cutting it in half.  



Yesterday, volunteers from the community rallied to assist the Condobolin SES Unit in constructing the temporary levee bank, for which the SES Unit were greatly appreciative of.  

"Thank you to the individuals and businesses who offered assistance throughout the afternoon and evening," said Condobolin's SES Unit Commander, Susan Bennett.  

"We now ask that everyone does one thing for us and that's not to drive or play on any of the dirt or sandbank levees," she said. 

While many locals evacuate their homes or prepare to evacuate, Lachlan Shire Mayor, John Medcalf addressed the situation.  

"The Lachlan Shire Emergency Operation Centre has been activated, and representatives of the agencies are meeting daily to coordinate the response to the emergency situation," said Mayor Medcalf.  

"The Welfare Services Department has secured temporary accommodation in town for those people who have been evacuated from their homes," he said.  

"At this stage the situation has not warranted the establishment of an emergency evacuation centre and a centre will only be opened if Welfac become overwhelmed by evacuees."  

"Should this situation occur we will inform the community of the arrangements," said Mayor Medcalf.  

Fresh milk being delivered by helicopter to local supermarkets.

The Mayor also indicated that a Mayoral Minute will be considered at next week's Ordinary Council Meeting in an effort to assist both Local Government and the Country Mayor's Association with a declaration of a State-wide Road Emergency.  

"These bodies are seeking an acceleration and significant increase in the Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Bridges programs, a boost in the Regional Road Block Grant program and additional funding from the federal government," said Mayor Medcalf.  

"This will assist councils with the cost of plant machinery and skilled workers to expedite road repairs," he said.  

With severe pavement damage and running floodwaters on roads within the Lachlan Shire, access in and out of the town is highly restrictive, meaning essential items such as food and medical supplies have been flown in by helicopter, while mail and other non-essential goods have no access.  

Fresh milk just landed.

While some locals are feeling contented at the thought of no bills arriving, many businesses are feeling the sting with no way to resupply or deliver products to customers.  

However, businesses are all asking the same thing of locals.  

"Please be mindful as this is completely out of our control, rude and outright mean behaviour will not be tolerated," Vane Tempest Brothers Mitre 10 told the Condobolin Community.  

"At this stage we have no idea when we will be getting mail again," said Tanya Sinclair from the Condobolin Post Office.  

"We are doing the best with the information we have and as soon as we know anything we will let everyone know," she said.  

There are currently emergency evacuation warnings in place for Willow Bend, East Condobolin and Derriwong while a Watch & Act warning has been issued to the township of Condobolin.  

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.