Lucy Kirk
29 October 2022, 1:43 AM
If you see Condobolin residents today rounding up two of every animal, it should come with no surprise as the district braces for further river rises.
The Bureau of Meteorology today advised that the Lachlan River at Condobolin Bridge peaked at 7.10 metres early Thursday morning and is currently at 6.87 metres and steady, with major flooding.
River levels are elevated along the Goobang Creek around Condobolin, causing water to creep onto Lachlan Street, sending alarm bells for many locals.
Mayor of the Lachlan Shire Council Cr John Medcalf has reassured residents that the situation is being constantly monitored.
"With further rain predicted over the weekend and into next week, I would like to reassure the community that Council is working with the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and other key agencies to monitor the flood situation and respond accordingly to keep our community safe," said Cr Medcalf.
Major flooding has caused extreme damage to many roads in the district, with the only open roads in and out of Condobolin being the Parkes Road and the road through Fifield and Tottenham to Nyngan.
The Lachlan River creeping onto Lachlan Street in Condobolin.
However, Cr Medcalf has again reassured the community that they are doing their best to respond to the situation as best they can.
"As you would be aware, many of our sealed and unsealed roads have been severely damaged over the past months and the flood water is exacerbating the situation," he said.
"We understand that the state of our roads is frustrating, however, we are doing the best we can under extremely difficult circumstances. Council appreciates your cooperation during this time and asks that you exercise caution when driving, and do not attempt to drive through floodwater."
Rosedale Road is just one of the unsealed roads in Lachlan Shire closed to vehicles over 3tonne.
Condobolin SES Unit Commander, Susan Bennett, has a strong message to send to locals.
"Don't drive around the road closed signs," she said.
"We understand they many farmers need to keep getting access to their stock which is a bit of a different situation, but we have had some pretty awful situations where careless people have been ruining the roads for those farmers who need to use them."
The Council, the SES and the Police are all asking locals to stay at home and limit their driving where possible.
"There are people out there who just aren't respecting the fact that there are others who have a greater need to access the roads," said Mrs Bennett.
Drivers are urged not to ignore closed road signs.
"The police have asked people if they witness someone moving or driving round a road closed sign to take a photo and forward the photo with their license plate number to the police and they will prosecute them," she said.
While staying home is the current message, it is uncertain when roads will open again as the damage is some places is extensive and more rain is likely to exacerbate the issue.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted the Lachlan River at Condobolin may reach around 7.10 meters during Monday due to further rain events.
Emergency services are therefore asking locals to remain vigilant and stay stafe.
The Condobolin SES team are available in emergencies and can deliver sandbags and other necessities to isolated residents.
"We've got a team of ten ADF members from Brisbane here with us at the moment who are helping us with all our jobs," said Mrs Bennett.
"They have been a great help and locals should know that we are always available in an emergency."
Condobolin residents who are isolated and need to organise a resupply call the NSW SES on 132 500.
The SES can provide delivery assistance with:
- Essential food items including pet food.
- Essential medicines and personal care products.
- Essential equipment or spare parts.
- Mail and other essential items and supplies.
For rural animal and livestock assistance, contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area Hotline 1800 814 647
To find the latest updates on road closures within the Lachlan Shire, visit the following sites:
Lachlan Shire - The Heart of NSW
For the latest weather warnings, rainfall and river heights keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology site.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.
In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.