Flood planning for the Menindee community is underway as floodwaters continue to make their way into the Barwon / Darling river system.
Incident Controller for the SES Western Zone, Chief Superintendent David Monk said resource planning for downstream communities is well underway, including Menindee, where the floodwaters are expected to arrive in mid-January.
“We have volunteers from across the State who are on standby to assist the Menindee community when the need arises. NSW SES also have a highly qualified teams who will be called into action to assist Menindee when the need becomes clearer in the New Year.”
Chief Sup. Monk said SES members will be in Menindee this weekend preparing the unit’s equipment, and getting community response plans in place, ahead of the flood peak which is expected sometime in early February.
With a six-week window to get plans in place, Mr Monk said the NSW SES was well prepared and resourced and firmer flood forecasts would be issued once flood peaks have been observed upstream to ensure more accurate estimates of the water expected downstream.
“Residents who are typically impacted by flooding should start their own preparations now, by preparing a list of actions to be taken prior to the floodwaters arriving such lifting furniture and moving vehicles, equipment, pumps and livestock to higher ground. Residents should have their own plans in place,” he added.
“NSW SES is certainly able to help residents prepare their properties, all they need to do is ring us on 132 500 and we are available to assist.”
Chief Sup. Monk said the NSW SES want to allay any concerns that community members may have about the upcoming flood scenario.
“The situation is being closely monitored, and flood bulletins will be issued once peak heights are known.
“We are operationally ready to assist flood-prone communities like Menindee and want to reassure the communities along the Barwon/Darling River that the personnel, resources and support will be available from the NSW SES before, during and after the proposed flood peak reaches the community,” he concluded.
