A truck driver has been charged over allegedly fatally striking more than 80 goats and driving into floodwaters on a closed section of the Kamilaroi Highway near Bourke.

About 9pm on Wednesday 7 December 2022, police will allege a truck driver was travelling east between Bourke and Brewarrina, when he allegedly drove through a road closure sign and into floodwaters.

The 51-year-old male driver contacted emergency services after the vehicle became stuck and he was taken to Bourke Hospital for assessment.

The next day (Thursday 8 December 2022), officers from Central North Police District were notified of 78 deceased goats along a 2 kilometre stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway.

A further eight goats were found seriously injured and had to be euthanased.

Following inquiries, investigators attended Dubbo Hospital earlier today (Thursday 15 December 2022) where they spoke with a 51-year-old man.

He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for disregard barrier regulating traffic by passing in vehicle, commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, and driver of vehicle injuring animal fail to alleviate pain.

The South Australian man is due to appear at Bourke Local Court on Thursday 23 February 2023.