Residents in Wilcannia, Tilpa, and Menindee are being urged to prepare for potential flooding as floodwaters from upstream Queensland make their way downstream.

While specific details regarding the expected impact are still emerging, the Central Darling Shire Council (CDSC) is advising residents to begin preparations now, as situations including isolations and impacts on primary producers are possible.

The focus is currently on the Paroo and Barwon-Darling River systems and Menindee Lakes.

Information regarding timelines, the anticipated volume of floodwater, and river peaks is still pending.

A significant challenge in forecasting is the lack of early warning gauges on the Paroo River within the Shire.

However, Council has welcomed the news that one gauge is to be reactivated on the Paroo, and investigations are underway for two others.

The Central Darling Shire Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is now operational and is holding joint meetings with the Unincorporated area.

The CDSC LEMC is also participating in SES briefings with northern Councils currently experiencing flooding1 . Council is collaborating with all relevant agencies, with the SES serving as the lead combat agency.

An online Community Information session, hosted by the SES, took place recently and was attended by landholders, community organizations, and Council staff.

This meeting included information from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Attendees were informed that, based on current data, river peaks between Walgett and Wilcannia are likely to occur later in April and into May, with potential river heights remaining uncertain at this stage.

The peak at Menindee is most likely anticipated in late May or early June.

It was also noted that, typically, flows from the Paroo River do not reach the Darling River.

Council is pleased with the plans for further community briefings as more information becomes available.

Wilcannia is expected to be the first area within the Shire to be affected by the floodwaters.

The Council has welcomed the SES confirmation of a presence and base of operations in Wilcannia.

As part of the ongoing flood preparations, Council is working with the SES to conduct infrastructure inspections of levy banks.

To support the agriculture sector, an Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) has been established, with an officer integrated into the SES Incident Management Team.

The dedicated phone number for AASFA is 1800 814 647.

Efforts are also underway to ensure Central Darling has timely access to funding support under the Natural Disaster Declaration Funding Assistance program to provide rapid assistance to communities if needed