Flood warning for Walgett to Bre and Bourke

Parts of the Kamilaroi Highway in Walgett Shire were closed last week due to minor flooding. Photo contributed

December rainfall throughout the catchment has led to flooding along the Barwon-Darling River and various tributaries, including the Bogan, Warrego and Paroo Rivers

This low level flooding is generally seen as a positive, no major damage has been reported and the joy of seeing the rivers flow is being felt across the entire region.

Last week the NSW SES advised people in some parts of Brewarrina Shire to closely monitor the possibility of floods after river level rises.

The river peaked at Walgett with a minor flood of 10.79 metres on Tuesday 10 December.

The SES has issued a warning saying that low lying rural properties and homesteads adjacent to the Barwon River between Walgett and Bourke may become isolated by flood water and to move stock, pumps, and other equipment to higher ground.

Walgett Shire Council General Manager Megan Dixon said flooding had been minor, and the positives were many.

“Thankfully, we haven’t heard reports of much damage,” she said. “Seeing the river flowing at this time of year is great and really raises community spirits.”

The main flood peak has passed Walgett and Boorooma and on Monday was approaching Brewarrina. Minor flooding had eased along the Barwon River at Walgett, but river levels remained elevated.

On Tuesday the Barwon River at Walgett was near 8 metres and falling quickly, below the minor flood level of 10.5 metres. The Brewon Road had been closed along with parts of the Kamilaroi Highway.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager, David Kirby said he considered the rains an early Christmas present.

“I’ve really enjoyed the wet weather and watching things green up – it’s been the best present we’ve had for a few Christmases now,” Mr Kirby said.

“Bre Council has had to close some roads, but as I tell people all the time, floods are a good problem to have because it means that we get lots of water.

“We live on the floodplains, and we rely on our rivers spilling over their banks. To see it happen at this time of year, means there will be a lot of landowners and farmers around that will consider this their best Christmas present in a long time. […]

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