Please be advised that with the continuing wet weather and gradual rises in the rivers within Balranald Shire, there have been numerous inquires of Council and Council staff for either sandbags or other assistance. Although we are here to provide services to the community, Council is not the responsible agency to provide these services. Council greatly appreciates the assistance offered by organisations such as the State Emergency Service in dealing with flood and storm emergencies.
At this stage Balranald township is under a Minor flood alert which means that low-lying areas surrounding the town are being subjected to rising river levels. There are levees in Balranald which protect the town, and these levees provide the main thrust of protection for the community. Similarly levees and topography provide a substantial barrier for Euston and other communities.
There are some outlying communities that may become isolated due to flooding and assistance where required, is being provided by the State Emergency Service as the lead agency in response to flood and weather events.
The Council has a Local Emergency Committee and a Local Emergency Management Plan and the Local Emergency Management Controller, Pru Burgun and I are working with the Emergency Management Committee coordinating the response to this current event.
The State Emergency Service in both NSW and Victoria are working with the community to ensure the safety and welfare of people impacted by the flood and rain events and if you need any assistance or wish to monitor the current progress the contact details are;
NSW SES www.ses.nsw.gov.au
VICTORIAN SES www.ses.vic.gov.au
Phone SES from anywhere in Australia 132500 and on Facebook NSWSES or VICSES
For road transport within the Shire www.balranald.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure/roads-condition-report
For travel on State and regional roads www.livetraffic.com
The SES web site also provides a number of guides for people to prepare for storm and flood events and I would encourage you to access that organisation’s website.
Jeff Sowiak
General Manager
Balranald Shire Council.
