Forbes shire residents are familiar with flooding at all levels, and with emergency services out in force we are well prepared, says Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Our community have been through floods before and we know how to prepare," Mayor Miller said on Monday.
"We are working closely with our emergency services to ensure everyone in our community is prepared for the floodwaters to peak on Wednesday.
"Floods do however behave differently each time they occur with the most recent flood in 2016 seeing water move towards the south of the Lachlan River.
"This affected rural areas more so than town itself when compared to previous floods.
"We just need to be prepared no matter what the circumstances and I feel confident our amazing SES and emergency services will be able to handle the situation.
"We are very aware of the implications of flooding for the community and businesses alike and we will work closely with all to help our community through this flood and the recovery afterwards."
Mayor Miller said wonderful local community members had stepped up to help especially with sandbagging.
"Sandbags are available from the SES Depot and they are always looking for volunteers to help fill the bags as well," she said.
This is on the corner of School Road and Farnell Street and it is seeing heavy traffic. This is now a one-way road for the day with entry via Calarie Road, exit onto Farnell Street.
If you wish to volunteer please park alongside the tree line with all other vehicles and walk to the gate.
"When the time comes some houses will be asked to evacuate and we ask the residents to register with the Red Cross to ensure you are safe," Mayor Miller said.
"The walk-in Evacuation Centre has now been set up at the Presbyterian Church in Harold Street, next to the Forbes Town Hall. This desk will remain open between 8am - 6pm daily."
If you have access to the internet you can also register online through; Register.Find.Reunite. Their website is:https://register.redcross.org.au/
"The SES will provide daily information on areas that are at risk and where evacuation is required, keep an eye on their Facebook page," Mayor Miller said.
"They will be door knocking all affected houses if they are advised to evacuate. This individual response stops people panicking unnecessarily.
"Our local SES know where the water will be likely to go and will advise our community when it is time to evacuate."
Flood water is now impacting roads - and is expected to impact more - and it's absolutely imperative that people do not drive into flood water.
"We would like to remind the community to be mindful of water over roads, to drive to the conditions and to obey road closures and warning signs," Mayor Miller said.
"There can be quite severe implications for drivers who do not adhere to these rules.
"You don't know what's under the water - there can be huge holes in the road surface, logs and other debris. Just don't drive through floodwaters!
"Local emergency response volunteers will also be put in danger when they have to come and get you out!
"We also invite people to sign up to our SMS messaging service.
"This service will message subscribers of roads closures and any important messages during the flood. To subscribe just email your mobile number and name to: communications@forbes.nsw.gov.au"
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
For major roads go online to www.livetraffic.com
Local road closures can also be found on Forbes Shire Council's website.
The Forbes Town Hall, Concourse and Council Chambers will be the Emergency Operations Centre during the flood emergency. For more information please contact Council on 02 6850 2300.
