As the east coast reels from recent flooding rains, the NSW State Emergency Service has started to wind down flood operations in Western NSW.  

Flooding commenced in far western NSW in late March as a result of significant rainfall in Queensland. 

Major flooding on the Paroo River exceeded the 1990 record height on 7 April at Wanaaring, which saw many residents right along the catchment isolated by widespread flood waters due to cut roads.

There was also significant flooding on the Warrego River and Darling River. 

IMAGE: Bourke Shire Council

NSW SES State Duty Commander, acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman ESM praised the many volunteers who had worked over many weeks supporting communities. 

“This was a prolonged campaign flood which saw the NSW SES support rural properties and homesteads in Wanaaring, Bourke, Walgett, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Hungerford, Yantabulla, Fords Bridge, Gumbalie Enngonia, to name a few. 

“It was a coordinated approach with the NSW SES deploying community information teams, rescue teams, high clearance vehicles and aviation assets throughout large parts of the state."

Col Brown at Wanaaring Store & Caravan Park says the support at the height of the flooding was much appreciated by those in the township and on outlying properties.

"They did a great job while we were an island," he said.

"They kept an eye on things 24/7, checking the levee bank around the perimeter of the village every couple of hours.

"It was a great thing having the helicopter flying in and out with supplies, two times a day at least with groceries and mail."

Road near Wanaaring township. Damage to roads and other infrastructure will challenge residents and local government for many more months but recovery work is well underway. IMAGE: Wanaaring Store & Caravan Park

Mr Brown says the main road to Wanaaring was opened to light traffic a couple of weeks ago and just this week has been open to all traffic.

"Bourke council have done really well considering how chewed up the roads were," he said.

"The road from Wanaaring to Hungerford is still under water in places. They're out there with graders but it will be quite a while before the water is gone and they can finish the job."

He says travellers are beginning to make their way to Wanaaring but are limited to where they can go from there due to the amount of water still around through the Corner Country and elsewhere in southwest Queensland.

Assistant SES Commissioner Flaxman said flooding has largely eased in the area, but some residual water will still see some roads impacted. 

“While we are wrapping up our official operations and looking to transition to recovery, we continue to support long-term isolated residents,” she said. 

“Our volunteers assisted with 339 incidents, which included 65 resupply missions to isolated residents."  

The Darling River at Menindee Town is currently at 3.37 metres and falling. It is predicated that the Menindee Lakes has sufficient capacity to capture any remaining floodwater.