Tuesday, February 7, 2012

forecast flooding from Queensland moves downstream into NSW next week

World Top Stories News - forecast flooding from Queensland moves downstream into NSW next week : Residents in northwestern NSW are bracing for more isolation as floodwaters move west across the state.

More than 10,000 people are likely to be cut off as the flooding from Queensland moves downstream into NSW in the next few days and weeks, the State Emergency Service (SES) says.

The first river peaks could hit the town of Goodooga, near the Queensland border, as early as Wednesday, SES Commissioner Murray Kear told AAP on Tuesday.

As we see the floodwaters move west, we're likely to break the 10,000 mark in terms of isolation," Mr Kear said.

About 5000 people remained isolated on Tuesday, including residents of Wee Waa, Narrabri and rural properties across the region.

However, there may be some reprieve for Wee Waa's 2300 residents, who are expected to emerge from isolation by Friday if there is no further rainfall.

Twenty-seven aircraft were working across the region to supply those areas still isolated, as well as those predicted to be hit in the coming days and weeks.

Mr Kear said communities expected to be affected included Walgett, Collarenebri, Lightning Ridge and Cumborah, with floodwaters eventually expected to reach Bourke by March.

Meanwhile, a team of Red Cross volunteers has descended on the flood-stricken town of Moree to help in the clean-up effort, while Governor-General Quentin Bryce toured the region on Tuesday.

Ms Bryce flew to Moree on Tuesday morning to witness the clean-up after last week's floods. "She's been very well received," Moree mayor Katrina Humphries told AAP.

"She's a very well-informed and compassionate lady." Dressed in a grey trouser suit and clutching a cream-coloured bag, Ms Bryce received a briefing from local authorities before meeting residents facing the task of clearing out waterlogged homes.

Ms Bryce also visited a cotton farm that has suffered extensive damage, before touring Wee Waa.

A team of Red Cross volunteers that arrived in Moree on Tuesday were there for the "long haul", NSW Red Cross Executive Director Di Jay said in a statement.

"Cleaning up after a flood can be a daunting task as so many aspects of people's lives have been uprooted," Ms Jay said.

The volunteers would provide practical information, emotional support and help link residents with support services, she added.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced new government grants on Tuesday worth up to $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses in Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir local government areas.

Individuals affected by the floods in those same areas can already claim Centrelink payments of up to $1000 per adult and $400 per child.

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