NSW Premier Mike Baird arrived at Forbes on Monday to see the impact of floodwater first-hand as the Lachlan River peaked at 10.67 metres on Sunday night.
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Mr Baird’s first stop was the State Emergency Service (SES) unit where he thanked volunteers for their efforts.
The Premier has promised funding assistance for the flooded community of Forbes after inspecting some of the worst affected areas of town on Monday.
“There’s obviously already assistance available for those that have been evacuated from their homes,” Mr Baird said.
“It is very likely to be declared a natural disaster, which would mean that further assistance would come.”
Mr Baird announced the support outside the Forbes Shire Council Chambers after inspecting homes inundated as the Lachlan River and toured the area with mayor Phyllis Miller and emergency services personnel.
“What we need to do is get through this event first and foremost,” he said.
“We need to protect people and property as much as we possibly can, and obviously that’s the focus.”
Mr Baird pledged that isolated farmers and communities further west affected by flood waters will not be overlooked.
“I can assure you they won’t be forgotten,” he said.
“It’s not an easy time for them and we’re in a position where significant crops have been lost and will be lost and that’s very difficult again for our farmers.
“This community is very resilient and obviously going through a tough time.”
SES Lachlan Region Controller, Nichole Richardson, said the risk of further flooding in Forbes was not over yet.
“The flood waters have peaked overnight and they’re going to stay up for a little while,” she said.
“We’re going to see some rainfall over the next few days, so we’re likely to see some further rises.”
Controller Richardson is asking residents to monitor the situation and consider the risks before making decisions. Rainfall between 20 to 60mm is expected to fall over the catchment on Wednesday and Thursday.
“We are working with the Bureau of Meteorology on any predictions that are there. We will certainly be letting the community know of any of that sort of information and we will continue to maintain property protection works as we go through the rest of the week,” she said.
