Flood waters are slowly receding at Wanaaring and flowing downstream, after major flooding peaked on the Paroo River on Tuesday at over 5 metres. 

The river is still expected to remain above the major flood level for the remainder of this week and into next week. 

Despite the river levels peaking, the town is still expected to be isolated for weeks. 

 NSW SES volunteers flew from Bourke to Wanaaring for a community meeting. Photo: NSW SES.

NSW SES Community Liaison Officers based In Bourke have been flown into the town each day to assist with welfare checks and facilitate resupply.

NSW SES Superintendent Josh Clark said the focus will now shift to the Barwon and Darling Basin between Bourke and Menindee as the water slowly moves along the Paroo and Warrego rivers.

“Eventually all this record water which has flowed into the state from Queensland will work its way through the catchment down towards Menindee Lakes,” Superintendent Clark said.

“We may see many areas become isolated and potentially face prolonged disruptions once the water subsides due to damage to infrastructure.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have been working closely with the Bourke Shire Council who have been building up the levee to protect residents.

NSW SES have been closely monitoring the levee conditions and sandbagged properties in the area.

“NSW SES is in regular contact with landowners, and the local councils to provide them with the latest updates from the Bureau of Meteorology, Water NSW and Agriculture and Animal Services," Superintendent Clark said.

“NSW SES has positioned rescue teams, community liaison officers, high clearance vehicles, aviation assets and out-of-area teams throughout the region ready to support impacted residents.

Superintendent Clark praised the community for their efforts so far, with widespread isolations and impacts already being felt.

“The positive thing is the community has been responding to our warnings and so far, we have not had to undertake any flood rescues, which is a great outcome,” he said.

A community meeting was held last night, 9 April, which was well attended. The NSW SES will be holding regular meetings throughout the flood event until conditions improve.