Authorities in Warren are working together to put flooding safeguards in place as river levels continue to rise and weather conditions remain unprecedented. 

Gary Woodman, General Manager at Warren Shire Council said he is thankful to all Warren residents and business owners for their continued help in assisting emergency services to protect the Warren township from flooding.

“Due to the continuing extreme weather and flooding conditions experienced here in Warren Shire and across much of north-Western NSW, Council has enacted a number of preventative measures to ensure the safety of our town community under these conditions,” Mr Woodman said.

“These include the closure of our levee stormwater floodgates when the Macquarie River reaches a height of 8.4 metres to prevent widespread flooding throughout the town."

“When the levee floodgates are closed and rainfall continues, this does cause the capture of both rainwater and stormwater run-off from roof gutters, drains and roads throughout town, which is mitigated by the activation of pumps located around the town to reduce any overflow to protect the town against further flooding risks.”

“Given that these are the conditions we are currently experiencing, with significant further rainfall predicted over the next few days, it is critical we continue to activate these safety measures.”

SES Unit Commander Sam Midgley is reminding Warren residents to get ahead of what is likely to be a very wet weekend.

"We are expected to receive 50-100ml over the weekend with the current river level already reaching 9.11 metres," she said.

"We are currently preparing sandbags for locals to use and moving livestock to higher ground. We will continue to liaise with local emergency services including the Warren SES, Fire & Rescue, Police and Ambulance to organise a plan for the worst-case scenario.".

Mr Woodman has praised the local community for their cooperation in assisting services in preparing for worsening flood conditions.

“We have a loyal and close-knit community here in Warren Shire and many people have come forward to donate tractors and other machinery to assist with the pumping efforts to help safeguard our town.

“Council understands these efforts can be noisy and at times disruptive to residents and the local business community, but the alternative is major flooding and safety risks for all businesses and individuals.

“We appreciate the continuing patience and cooperation of community members as we work together to safeguard our town against the significant threat of flood damage throughout these unprecedented weather conditions,” he adds.

Back roads have been closed for over two months including the Ellengerah and Wambianna Roads, with more roads and highways expected to receive damage says the SES Unit Commander.

"All travellers please be weary of the Oxley Highway towards Gilgandra. It has multiple damages due to flood waters," she said.

Miss Midgley also wants to remind Warren residents to adjust their behaviour to stay safe as waters rise.

"Do not ride, drive or walk-through flood waters. Your safety is our top priority, so if it is wet, then forget it", she said.