Major flood levels have found their way to the Walgett area, where the community is expecting water levels reminiscent of flooding from 1998. 

The Namoi, Barwon and Darling Rivers are experiencing flood peaks from ongoing rain, causing major flooding to make its way down the river. 

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology (Saturday, 29 October) predicted the Barwon River could reach 12.90 metres late this week with major flooding. 

Both the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) have been in the community working to prepare the town. 



RFS Operations OFficer David Nicholson said that crews have been in Walgett for the past few weeks in anticipation of major flooding.

“The town will probably become isolated this week and into the weekend, but it shouldn’t impact people in town,” Mr Nicholson said. 

Walgett is expected to be completely isolated by the end of the week. (Via SES)

“We’ve had crews around Walgett assisting SES and Fire and Rescue with some transport in our high clearance vehicles and some sandbagging,” he said. 

Already, Namoi Village is completely surrounded and isolated by flood water, with Gingie Village looking at a similar fate when the bypass around Dangar Bridge is lost. 

Towards Lightning Ridge, the SES is also urging residents to prepare for isolation, warning those in the Grawin and Cumborah Opal Fields to stock up on vital food, medicine and fuel. 

Travellers in Lightning Ridge have been urged to leave or otherwise be prepared to become stranded in town for at least a couple of weeks. 

Mr Nicholson said that residents of the Lightning Ridge township shouldn’t be vulnerable to damage. 

“I don’t think the water is going to go into Lightning Ridge, I think there’s some roads that will get flooded and restrict access, “Mr Nicholson said. 

Further downstream, flows along the Darling River combined with flows from the Macquarie, Bogan and Culgoa Rivers have caused major flooding at Bourke with river levels similar to those experienced in September 1998 floods possible by the third week of November.

Major flooding is occurring at Louth and Tilpa where river levels similar to 1998 floods are possible late November or early December. Moderate flooding continues at Wilcannia, with possible major flooding by the end of November and river levels similar to 1998 floods possible in mid December.

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.