News

Flood warnings for NSW and Qld

Beef Central, 08/12/2011

 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has issued a warning to landholders to prepare for extended flooding in the State’s central north and north west.

NSW DPI Incident Controller, Simon Oliver, said ongoing flooding was expected following a major flood event in the Namoi and Gwydir Valley's late last month and further heavy falls throughout the region.

“Farmers downstream from Wee Waa and further west towards Walgett should prepare for flooding from this Saturday,” Mr Oliver said.

“Further flooding is expected in Brewarrina, Bourke, Louth, Tilpa and Wilcannia from late December through to late January as the flood waters move through the system.

“Farmers should ensure livestock are moved to higher ground and farm equipment such as pumps and irrigation infrastructure are moved well before the floodwaters arrive.

“Depending on the severity of flooding, farmers should also prepare for periods of isolation by ensuring adequate feed for stock and domestic animals is on hand.

“Some simple forward planning before the floodwaters arrive can reduce livestock losses and impacts on farming operations.

“Ahead of the flooding expected in the Walgett area, NSW DPI is undertaking aerial surveillance to ensure farmers are prepared.”  

Mr Oliver said flooding in the Namoi and Gwydir Valleys has caused extensive damage to farm infrastructure and crops and pastures, particularly around the Moree area.

“NSW DPI is currently assisting landholders in these areas through fodder drops, aerial surveillance and assistance with mustering and moving stock,” Mr Oliver said.

“We are receiving reports of stock losses and thousands of hectares of dryland and irrigated crops are expected to be lost, including cotton and unharvested winter crops.

“Extensive infrastructure damage is also expected to fences, contour banks, cropping paddocks and irrigation systems.

“To help us get a better handle on damage, NSW DPI encourages farmers to report stock losses and flood damage.”  

Farmers in need of assistance should contact the SES on 132 500.

The NSW DPI is urging farmers to report losses and damage as soon as possible. Farmers in the Gwydir/Macintyre river system should contact the Moree NSW DPI office on 6750 6301. Those in the Namoi/Peel catchment should call the Tamworth office on 6763 1215.

In Queensland flood warnings are current for the Condamine-Balonne, Macintyre/Weir, Western Queensland and Gulf areas. For more detailed information and updates  click here

 

 

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