Central Darling Shire issues power outage update - Tuesday October 22

Central Darling Shire has released another power outage update, as Far West communities struggle in the wake of power outages caused by severe storms.

"The Local Emergency Management Committee met at 10pm last night and again this morning after the whole Far West was impacted by another power outage due to technical issues with the generator," a spokesperson said.

"Communications have also been lost. Essential Energy has told the LEMC that a sensor issue is believed to be the cause of the outage. Once technicians can access to area of the fault, power could be restored by this afternoon or tomorrow for rural areas.

"Telstra is hoping that phone services could be restored by 1pm this afternoon.

With temperatures predicted to hit 36 this afternoon a respite centre was opened this morning at Menindee for community use for residents to stay cool and charge devices.

"Work is underway on setting respite centres at Wilcannia Hall and at White Cliffs once issues have been resolved sourcing electrical fittings.

"The RFS is sourcing extra generators and extra Starlink units for identified sites. As part of this they will providing Starlink units to the White Cliffs and Wilcannia community refuge centers.

"At the moment, Council’s potable water supply is ok with the use of generator power."

If power is not restored, Menindee Community Hall will stay open until 8pm tonight to allow residents to use stove, BBQ and microwave. There is also WI FI access available at the hall.

Council said NSW Ambulance Service is concerned about the loss of radio ambulance and ability to call 000.

People can charge their phones at: The White Cliffs Store, Wilcannia Council building and Menindee Supermarket which also has WI FI access available for calls.

For cold storage of food supplies people can contact Blue White at White Cliffs who has offered the community the use of a refrigerated shipping container for their food supplies.

Wilcannia Health Service also has a kitchen coolroom if people need to store food items.

All schools across Central Darling are operational. An emergency management connectivity trailer is expected to arrive in Menindee today to allow the school to make and receive calls and charge devices.

In Wilcannia the two schools are working together. Wilcannia Central School is supporting St Therese's Community Parish School, as they do not have a generator.

Menindee Rural Transaction Centre will re-open tomorrow with generator power, if the power has not been restored.

Menindee Central School has advised there is no pre-school for children aged 2 to 3 until further notice. Children aged 4 and 5 will attend pre-school at Menindee Central School's transitions room until power can be restored.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the situation is tough on communities.

“Residents of Far West NSW have been dealt a double whammy this week,” Mr Coulton said.

“Not only has the region had to deal with extensive clean up, but ongoing interruptions to electricity have caused a chaotic situation.”

“It’s a big job and I know many agencies are working tirelessly to restore normality to the Far West,” Mr Coulton said.

“I commend the residents of Far West NSW for their patience during this challenging situation.”

He said he encourages all impacted residents to stay up to date on available assistance measures by visiting https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/emergencies-and-natural-disasters.