DUBBO’s neighbours in north-west NSW are being warned to be ready for the after-effects of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
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Floodwaters have begun moving down the Barwon River with the Walgett Shire communities of Collarenebri and Walgett expected to experience minor and moderate flooding, respectively, next week.
Their residents may take comfort from current advice of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Macquarie Region that the floodwaters will not prove as troublesome as those of 12 months ago.
In February 2012 about 5000 people were reported isolated by floodwaters across northern NSW.
Collarenebri was one of the towns marooned by the flooding that disrupted communities and rural households for weeks.
Local roads and highways were cut, and homes evacuated as the SES poured its resources into the region.
On Friday the SES Macquarie Region was back in action on the same north-west front, issuing bulletins to warn of the floodwater moving into the Barwon River from the Macintyre and Weir rivers.
By mid-morning yesterday the Barwon River at Mungindi, on the NSW and Queensland border, was reported to be rising with major flooding and a peak of 7.8 metres predicted today.
A nine-metre peak and major flooding is expected downstream at Mogil Mogil on Saturday.
Next Monday the Barwon River at Collarenebri is predicted to peak at 7.2 metres, causing minor flooding, while on the following Friday it will climb to a forecast 12 metres at Walgett, resulting in moderate flooding.
Acting deputy region controller for the SES Macquarie Region, Gavin Arnold, yesterday said Mogil Mogil would experience “a reasonable amount of rural overland flooding with local roads closing”.
He also anticipates rural flooding around Collarenebri and some properties being cut off.
“It’s possible that the Walli Aboriginal Reserve may become isolated,” he said.
“Collarenebri will be safe. No evacuations will be necessary, but there will be roads around them cut.”
Mr Arnold forecast the Gwydir Highway being closed north of Collarenebri, possibly by the weekend.
Roads near Walgett are also expected to become impassable because of rural overland flooding.
“There is no risk to Walgett whatsoever,” Mr Arnold said.
The SES Macquarie Region is urging landholders and people living along the Barwon River to move stock, machinery and pumps, buy food for themselves, pets and livestock, and make sure necessary medications are at hand.
It intends to work co-operatively with Walgett Shire authorities in responding to any emergency or call for help.
“At this stage with the predicted heights being minor or moderate, it won’t be full scale, all hands on deck, but we certainly have the ability to ramp it up as necessary,” Mr Arnold said.