Six helicopters have been working in the west of the state every day since January 30. The taxpayer-funded aerial retrieval project is expected to continue until late March as flood-affected farms and communities are hit with large amounts of water moving into NSW from Queensland.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) western region director Greg Markwick described flooding as unprecedented in some areas.

The DPI and Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority are working together to address concerns about the welfare of several hundred thousand sheep and more than 10,000 cattle on properties across the west and far-west region. Their efforts are centred on a large slab of country from the western edge of the Culgoa River across to the Narran River.

Mr Markwick said an estimated 2000 sheep had died as a result of flooding north of Brewarrina.

“Our focus is tending to the living and getting as many sheep and cattle out of harm’s way,’’ he said.

“Indications are that flooding will be of a similar proportion and duration to January and February last year but for some areas the event will be unprecedented.

“Landholders know what to expect and most have been able to make preparations ahead of time.’’

Helicopter crews operating out of Brewarrina airport are lifting cages of sheep to landing points before swinging away for another load.

Between 12 to 20 sheep are moved into each cage, depending on how much wool they are carrying.

“In most cases sheep are relocated to safe areas on the same property,’’ Mr Markwick said.

“Where this is not possible arrangements are made between neighbours to put stock on safe country. Some landholders don’t have much of an option and in one case sheep were moved 10km to a donor paddock.

“So far this week about 4000 sheep have been airlifted.

“Helicopters are also being used to walk cattle through flood waters, pushing herds across cut fences to safety.

“On occasion landholders and quad bikes are airlifted into areas of need to help get cattle moving.’’

Helicopters have been required to move stock in western NSW for the third summer in a row. The practice was first introduced in 1998.

“The DPI is allocating resources to get the job done,’’ Mr Markwick said.

“The airlifts are quite expensive but it’s all part of government support in terms of emergency management.’’