Brewarrina Flood Event - March 2010
Due to recent heavy rain in Queensland, floodwaters are travelling down into the northwest of New South Wales and causing minor to major flooding. The affected rivers include the:
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Narran
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Birrie
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Bokhara
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Paroo
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Warrego
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Barwon
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Darling
The SES has five helicopters and one fixed wing aircraft operating out of Bourke and Walgett which will be providing reconaissance, resupply and rescue.
The following information is an extract from the SES Website with regards to assets located within the Brewarrina Shire and can be seen in its original state at http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/events/15251.html.
Rural properties: There are up to 200 rural properties isolated. This number will vary as the flood peak progresses. They have been asked to stock up on food, fuel and medicine and to locate their stock and equipment on high ground in advance of isolation. The SES is postured to assist them as required.
Weilmoringle: Weilmoringle is located on the Culgoa River. It is expected that floodwaters will isolate the village and that these floodwaters may affect the ability of the village's levee to hold back the expected floodwaters. Consequently, an evacuation order has been issued for the village of Weilmoringle. The 55 residents have indicated that they will relocate to family and friends. This process is currently underway.
Goodooga: Goodooga is located on the Bokhara River. It is expected that floodwaters will isolate the village and that this isolation will continue for several weeks. Approximately 20 residents of the Goodooga Reserve have been issued with an evacuation order and will take up temporary accommodation with family and friends. The majority of the village population of 320 is expected to remain in place. The SES is working with other agencies to secure the supply of essential items to this community. A floodboat has been located in the village with an SES forward element.
New Angledool: The village of New Angledool on the Narran River, Population 36, is expected to be isolated. Residents have been asked to stock up prior to isolation and the SES will monitor the community once isolated. The isolation is expected to last approximately one week.
The Agencies Involved:
Brewarrina Shire Council
The Council has been undertaking repairs to assets located on the road reserve. These include road pavements, culverts, bridges and signage. Emergency works are being carried out on roads to restore access to traffic where possible. Structural damage to bridges and culverts will also be assessed by Council Engineers.
For any further enquiries please contact Council on (02) 6830 5100 or visit the Brewarrina Shire Council Website at www.breshire.com
Community Services
Community Services (formerly DoCS) can provide disaster relief grants to eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household items have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster. Click the link below for the information package - Disaster Relief Grants for household contents and structural repairs: http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/DOCSWR/_assets/
main/documents/DISASTER_FINANCIAL_FACT.PDF
The Community Services Disaster Recovery Centre can be contacted on: 1800 018 444
Website: www.community.nsw.gov.au
Primary Producers
Loans of up to $130,000 are available (subject to certain eligibility criteria), at a concessional interest rate of 2.56 per cent, for those in urgent need. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority (now part of Industry and Investment NSW) administer this scheme. Enquiries should be directed to the Authority on 1800 678 593.
Link to Scheme Documents: http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/assistance/natural-disaster-relief/loans
Website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Department of Industry and Investment NSW
Enquiries regarding financial assistance with the transportation of livestock and fodder for primary producers in connection with the recent and current flood events.
Transport freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent on the carriage of livestock and fodder are available to help primary producers. The maximum subsidy available is $15,000 per annum. Inquiries should be made to the nearest Industry and Investment NSW - Primary Industries Office (formerly Department of Primary Industries).
Department of Industry and Investment NSW public inquiry number: 1800 814 593.
Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Salvation Army
The Rural Chaplains are available to help organisations or individuals as required over the weeks following a natural disaster. Our role for the recovery process is to provide ongoing support i.e. Pastoral care, emotional support and practical Assistance.
Rural Chaplains - Far West North NSW can be contacted on: 0437 965 587
Website: www.salvos.org.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service
The Rural Financial Counselling Service have now been receiving calls from property owners regarding information about assistance and expecting Application request in recovery stage.For further information, please call the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 02 6872 3255.
Website: www.daff.gov.au
Link to local information: http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/rfcs/counsellors/nsw
Greater Western Area Health Service - Brewarrina Hospital
The Brewarrina Hospital will be providing support to individuals and offering information about heath issues that can affect local people over the flood period. Some issues may be: Activity of venomous snakes- particularly in the areas affected by floods and increased rain. The Greater Western Area Health Service reminds the public not to attempt to handle or go near these animals and also that they are protected species.
If you have been bitten by a snake please call 000 immediately - Click the link below for a snake bite fact sheet: http://www.gwahs.nsw.gov.au/index.php?select=Media&option2=Release_980&search=Snake%20warning%20for%20flood-affected%20areas
Cleaning of rainwater tanks - presents a number of occupational health and safety risks, such as working in confined spaces and it is only recommended that a tank be emptied if it has been inundated by flood water. When cleaning a rainwater tank the following recommendations should be considered:For further information contact your local council, public health unit or refer to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/pdf/rainwater020067.pdf
Flood water may have contaminated your vegetable or herb garden- Some garden produce may be salvaged and sanitizing, peeling and cooking is recommended to prevent food born illness.
State Emergency Service (SES)
SES flood response operations continue in Brewarrina with the focus now centered on preparing communities and rural properties in northwestern New South Wales for the approaching floodwaters.
If you need emergency help as a result of flooding, contact your local State Emergency Service Unit by calling 132 500. The SES is continuing to monitor the situation. For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
For further information, click on the following flood response update link: http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/events/14547.html
Website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Emergency Management NSW
Emergency Management NSW (EMNSW) supports the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCon), State Emergency Recovery Controller (SERCon) and the State Rescue Board (SRB). EMNSW also provides high level policy and executive support to the Minister for Emergency Services in relation to the emergency services portfolio, including policy advice and analysis, information and correspondence coordination and liaison with agencies, including the New South Wales Fire Brigades, New South Wales Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service. This role previously was carried out by the former Office for Emergency Services.
Website: http://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/home.html
Darling Livestock and Pest Authority
Website: http://www.lhpa.org.au/
Brewarrina Police
The Brewarrina Police are currently providing a support and response role. This is primarily assisting the primary response organisations such as the State Emergency Service (SES) in issues arising where they are able to help. For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
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