NSW | 20 Feb 2012
Minor to major flooding is continuing along the Barwon River at Mogil Mogil, Collarenebri and Walgett, and where river levels continue to fall slowly. Isolated properties in the north east of the Walgett Shire are now slowly having access restored as flood waters continue to recede and local unsealed roads dry out.
The Gwydir Highway between Collarenebri and Moree, and Collarenebri and Walgett has been opened to all traffic. This has restored access to the 1800 residents of Walgett and the around 500 residents of Collarenebri.
The Castlereagh Highway 4km north of Walgett has been opened at Pagans Creek to all vehicles.
Acceess to Lightning Ridge is only for high clearance vehicles on the Castlereagh Hwy who travel across a flooded section under escort, in daylight and in one direction at a time. Walgett Shire Council continues to monitor and manage road closures.
The Castlereagh Highway north of Lightning Ridge is closed at the Weetalibah crossing.
The Castlereagh Highway between Coonamble and Walgett is open to all vehicles with caution.
Major flooding is continuing along the Narran River at New Angledool with flood waters now rising around the Lightning Ridge area.
Most unsealed roads within the Walgett Shire remain closed.
Operational endeavours continue to focus on resupply activities for both commercial and isolated properties with an operational focus on the Lightning Ridge area, with the NSW SES in the Lightning Ridge area continuing to supply isolated communities and rural properties.
