warrumbungle SHIRECOUNCIL sEsSTATE EMERGENCYSERVICE

WARRUMBUNGLE SHIRE LOCAL FLOOD PLAN

A SUB.PLAN OF THE WARRUMBUNGLE SHIRE LOCAL DISASTER PLAN (DISPLAN)

StateEmergency Service

MAY 2OO7EDITION

TO BE REVIEWED NO LATER THAN MAY 2012 ii

CONTENTS

DISTRIBUTION LIST ...... iv

AMENDMENT LIST...... v

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...... vi

GLOSSARY ...... vii

PART 1 - INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Purpose ...... 1 1.2 Authority...... 1 1.3 Area Covered By The Plan...... 1 1.4 Description Of Flooding And Its Effects...... 2 1.5 Responsibilities...... 2 PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS ...... 14 2.1 Maintenance Of This Plan ...... 14 2.2 Floodplain Risk Management...... 14 2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence ...... 14 2.4 Development of Warning Systems ...... 14 2.5 Public Education...... 15 2.6 Training ...... 15 2.7 Resources...... 15 PART 3 - RESPONSE...... 16 3.1 Control...... 16 3.2 Operations Centres ...... 16 3.3 Operational Management...... 16 3.4 Liaison ...... 17 3.5 Communications...... 17 3.6 Start of Response Operations...... 17 3.7 Flood Intelligence...... 18 3.8 Preliminary Deployments ...... 19 3.9 Warnings...... 19 3.10 Information ...... 20 3.11 Road Control...... 21 3.12 Traffic Control...... 21 3.13 Flood Rescue ...... 22 3.14 Evacuations...... 22 3.15 Essential Services ...... 22 3.16 Logistics ...... 22 3.17 Aircraft Management...... 22 3.18 Resupply of Isolated Towns and Villages ...... 23 3.19 Resupply of Isolated Properties ...... 23 3.20 Assistance for Animals...... 24 3.21 Stranded Travellers...... 24 3.22 All Clear ...... 24 PART 4 - RECOVERY ...... 26 4.1 Welfare ...... 26 4.2 Recovery Coordination...... 26 4.3 Arrangements for Debriefs / After Action Reviews ...... 26 ANNEX A - THE FLOOD THREAT ...... A-1 Landforms and River Systems...... A-1 Castlereagh River ...... A-1 Namoi River Tributaries...... A-2

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Storage Dams...... A-2 Weather Systems and Flooding ...... A-2 Characteristics of Flooding...... A-3 Flood History...... A-3 Flood Mitigation Systems...... A-5 Extreme Flooding ...... A-5 ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE COMMUNITY ...... B-1 Community Profile ...... B-1 Specific Risk Areas ...... B-1 Mendooran...... B-2 Coolah ...... B-2 Coonabarabran...... B-3 Ulamambri...... B-3 Binnaway...... B-3 Baradine...... B-3 Dunedoo ...... B-4 Road Closures...... B-4 Rural Areas...... B-5 Camping Reserves ...... B-5 ANNEX C - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE WARRUMBUNGLE SES LOCAL HEADQUARTERS ...... C-6

ANNEX D - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS...... D-1

ANNEX E - EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WARRUMBUNGLE SHIRE AREA ...... E-1 Background...... E-1 Arrangements ...... E-1 Phase 1 – Decision to Evacuate...... E-1 Phase 3 – Withdrawal...... E-6 Phase 5 – Return...... E-9 ANNEX F - TEMPLATE EVACUATION WARNING MESSAGE FOR [ENTER NAME OF AREA]...... F-1

MAP 1 - MACQUARIE – BOGAN RIVERS BASIN...... I

MAP 2 - CASTLEREAGH RIVER BASIN ...... II

MAP 3 - NAMOI RIVER BASIN...... III

MAP 4 - WARRUMBUNGLE COUNCIL AREA...... IV

MAP 5 - BARADINE ...... V

MAP 6 - BINNAWAY ...... VI

MAP 7 - COOLAH...... VII

MAP 8 - COONABARABRAN ...... VIII

MAP 9 - DUNEDOO ...... IX

MAP 10 - MENDOORAN...... X

MAP 11 - ULAMAMBRI...... XI

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DISTRIBUTION LIST

SES Local Controller ...... 1 Baradine and Dunedoo SES Unit Controllers...... 1 each Baradine and Dunedoo SES Units ...... 1 each Macquarie SES Region Headquarters...... 1 NSW SES State Headquarters ...... 1 Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller...... 1 NSW Police Force, Mudgee Local Area Command...... 1 Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee Members ...... 4 Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer ...... 1 Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Centre...... 1 Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor...... 1 Warrumbungle Shire Council General Manager ...... 1 Warrumbungle Shire Council Technical Services Department ...... 1 NSW Fire Brigades, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Dunedoo ...... 1 each Rural Fire Service, Castlereagh Zone ...... 1 Ambulance Service of NSW, Baradine, Coolah, Coonabarabran and Dunedoo .. 1 each Volunteer Rescue Association, Coolah, Coonabarabran and Mendooran ...... 1 each Country Energy...... 1 Telstra ...... 1 Department of Primary Industries, Central West Region ...... 1 Department of Community Services, Western NSW Region...... 1 Roads and Traffic Authority, Coonabarabran...... 1 Hospitals ...... 1 each Schools...... 1 each Council Libraries ...... 1 each Spare ...... 1

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AMENDMENT LIST

Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:

The Local Controller Baradine State Emergency Service Darling Street, BARADINE NSW 2396

Amendments promulgated in the amendments list below have been entered in this plan.

Amendment List Date Amendment Date Number Entered By

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations have been used in this plan:

AAR After Action Review ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics AEP Annual Exceedance Probability AHD Australian Height Datum ARI Average Recurrence Interval (Years) ALERT Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time AWRC Australian Water Resources Council BoM Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology CBD Central Business District DCF Dam Crest Flood DECC Department of Environment and Climate Change DSC Dams Safety Committee DISPLAN Disaster Plan DoCS Department of Community Services DSEP Dam Safety Emergency Plan DVR Disaster Victim Registration GIS Geographic Information System GRN Government Radio Network HF High Frequency IFF Imminent Failure Flood PMF Probable Maximum Flood PMR Private Mobile Radio PMP Probable Maximum Precipitation PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network RTA Roads and Traffic Authority SES State Emergency Service SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal UHF Ultra High Frequency VHF Very High Frequency VRA Volunteer Rescue Association

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GLOSSARY

Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) . The chance of a flood of a given or larger size occurring in any one year, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if a peak flood level (height) has an AEP of 5%, there is a 5% chance (that is, a one-in-20 chance) of such a level or higher occurring in any one year (see also Average Recurrence Interval).

Assistance Animal. A guide dog, a hearing assistance dog or any other animal trained to assist a person to alleviate the effect of a disability (Refer to Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992).

Australian Height Datum (AHD) . A common national surface level datum approximately corresponding to mean sea level.

Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) . The long-term average number of years between the occurrence of a flood as big as, or larger than, the selected event. For example, floods reaching a height as great as, or greater than, the 20 year ARI flood event will occur on average once every 20 years.

Catchment (river basin) . The land area draining through the main stream, as well as tributary streams, to a particular site. It always relates to an area above a specific location.

Design flood (or flood standard) . A flood of specified magnitude that is adopted for planning purposes. Selections should be based on an understanding of flood behaviour and the associated flood risk, and take account of social, economic and environmental considerations. There may be several design floods for an individual area.

Essential services . Those services, often provided by local government authorities that are considered essential to the life of organised communities. Such services include power, lighting, water, gas, sewerage and sanitation clearance.

Flash flooding . Flooding which is sudden and often unexpected because it is caused by sudden local or nearby heavy rainfall. It is sometimes defined as flooding which occurs within six hours of the rain that causes it.

Flood . Relatively high water level which overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flooding associated with drainage before entering a watercourse, and/or coastal inundation resulting from super-elevated sea levels and/or waves overtopping coastline defences.

Flood classifications . Locally defined flood levels used in flood warnings to give an indication of the severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major) expected. These levels are used by the State Emergency Service and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology in flood bulletins and flood warnings.

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Flood intelligence . The product of collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting flood-related data to produce meaningful information (intelligence) to allow for the timely preparation, planning and warning for and response to a flood.

Flood liable land . Land susceptible to flooding by the Probable Maximum Flood. (PMF) event. This term also describes the maximum extent of a floodplain which is an area of a river valley, adjacent to the river channel, which is subject to inundation in floods up to this event.

Flood of record . Maximum observed historical flood.

Flood Plan . A plan that deals specifically with flooding and is a sub-plan of a Disaster Plan. Flood plans describe agreed roles, responsibilities, functions, actions and management arrangements for the conduct of flood operations and for preparing for them.

Floodplain Management Plan . A plan developed in accordance with the principles and guidelines in the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual. Such a plan usually includes both written and diagrammatic information describing how particular areas of flood prone land can be used and managed to achieve defined objectives.

Floodway . An area where a significant volume of water flows during floods. Such areas are often aligned with obvious naturally-defined channels and are areas that, if partially blocked, would cause a significant redistribution of flood flow which may in turn adversely affect other areas. They are often, but not necessarily, the areas of deeper flow or the areas where higher velocities occur.

Flood Watch . A Flood Watch is a notification of the potential for a flood to occur as a result of a developing weather situation and consists of short generalised statements about the developing weather including forecast rainfall totals, description of catchment conditions and indicates streams at risk. The Bureau of Meteorology will also attempt to estimate the magnitude of likely flooding in terms of the adopted flood classifications. Flood Watches are normally issued 24 to 36 hours in advance of likely flooding. Flood watches are issued on a catchment wide basis.

Flood Warning. A Flood Warning is a gauge specific forecast of actual or imminent flooding. Flood Warnings specify the river valley, the locations expected to be flooded, the likely severity of flooding and when it will occur.

Geographic Information System (GIS) . A computerised database for the capture, storage, analysis and display of locationally defined information. commonly, a GIS portrays a portion of the earth’s surface in the form of a map on which this information is overlaid.

Local overland flooding. Inundation by local runoff rather than overbank discharge from a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam.

Major flooding . Flooding which causes inundation of extensive rural areas, with properties, villages and town’s isolated and/or appreciable urban areas flooded.

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Minor flooding . Flooding which inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the submergence of low-level bridges. The lower limit of this class of flooding, on the reference gauge, is the initial flood level at which landholders and/or townspeople begin to be affected in a significant manner that necessitates the issuing of a public flood warning by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.

Moderate flooding . Flooding which inundates low-lying areas, requiring removal of stock and/or evacuation of some houses. Main traffic routes may be covered.

Peak height . The highest level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during a particular flood event.

Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) . The largest flood that could conceivably be expected to occur at a particular location, usually estimated from probable maximum precipitation. The PMF defines the maximum extent of flood prone land, that is, the floodplain. It is difficult to define a meaningful Annual Exceedance Probability for the PMF, but it is commonly assumed to be of the order of 10 4 to 10 7 (once in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years).

Runoff . The amount of rainfall which ends up as stream flow, also known as ‘rainfall excess’ since it is the amount remaining after accounting for other processes such as evaporation and infiltration.

Stage height . A level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during the development of a particular flood event.

Stream gauging station . A place on a river or stream at which the stage height is routinely measured, either daily or continuously, and where the discharge is measured from time to time so as to develop a relationship between stage and discharge or rating curve.

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PART 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

1.1.1 This plan covers preparedness measures, the conduct of response operations and the coordination of immediate recovery measures from flooding within the Warrumbungle Shire Council area. It covers operations for all levels of flooding within the council area.

1.2 Authority

1.2.1 This plan is issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and the State Emergency Service Act 1989. It has been accepted by the Macquarie SES Region Controller and the Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee.

1.3 Area Covered By The Plan

1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Warrumbungle Shire Council. The Shire covers an area of 12,456 sq. kms and has a population of approximately 11,000. The Shire is bounded by Gilgandra Shire, Wellington Shire, Liverpool Plains Shire, Gunnedah Shire, Narrabri Shire, Coonamble Shire, Upper Hunter Shire, Dubbo City Shire and the Mid Western Council.

1.3.2 The area includes: Coonabarabran, Baradine, Binnaway, Ulamambri, Bulgaldie, Kenebri and Purlewaugh, Coolah, Dunedoo and Mendooran, several smaller population centres including Uarbry, Ulinda and Neilrex, large expanses of rural land and some unsettled mountainous country and substantial uninhabited areas.

1.3.3 The council area includes:

a. The upper reaches of the Castlereagh River from its source to a point about five kilometres downstream of Binnaway, several significant tributaries including Baby, Shawns, Gundi, Billy Kings, Terrawinda, Jack Halls, Belar, Spring, Greenbah and Ulinda creeks, and the Timor Dam. Teridgerie Creek, a tributary of the lower Castlereagh River, also rises in the council area.

b. Three reaches of the left (western) bank of Cox’s Creek and the tributary Bow, Saltwater and Garawilla creeks.

c. The headwaters of the Baradine Creek system (including the tributary Bugaldie, Yearinan and Dandy creeks).

d. The headwaters of Yaminbah Creek and the tributary Borah Creek.

e. A reach of the Castlereagh River, which enters the council area about 5 kilometres downstream of Binnaway and leaves it about 10 kilometres

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downstream of Mendooran, and the tributary Ulinda, Gamble, Butheroo and Merrygoen creeks.

f. The Talbragar River, except for its uppermost reaches, to the point at which it leaves the council area about 10 kilometres downstream of Cobbora; and its major tributaries, the Coolaburragundy River and Turee Creek.

1.3.4 The council area and its principal rivers and creeks are shown in Map 1.

1.3.5 The council area is in the Macquarie SES Region and for emergency management purposes is part of the Western Slopes Emergency Management District.

1.4 Description Of Flooding And Its Effects

1.4.1 The nature of flooding in the Warrumbungle Shire Council area is described in Annex A.

1.4.2 The effects of flooding on the community are detailed in Annex B.

1.5 Responsibilities

1.5.1 The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services (functional areas) are listed in the Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN). Some specific responsibilities are expanded upon in the following paragraphs. The extent of their implementation will depend on the severity of the flooding.

1.5.2 SES Local Controller. The SES Local Controller is responsible for dealing with floods as detailed in the State Flood Plan, and will:

a. Control flood operations. This includes:

••• Directing the activities of the SES units operating within the council area.

••• Coordinating the activities of supporting agencies and organisations and ensuring that liaison is established with them.

b. Maintain a Local Headquarters in accordance with the SES Controllers’ Handbook and the SES Operations Manual.

c. Ensure that SES members are trained to undertake operations in accordance with current policy as laid down in the SES Controllers’ Handbook and the SES Operations Manual.

d. Develop and operate a flood intelligence system.

e. Coordinate the development and operation of a flood warning service for the community.

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3 f. Participate in floodplain risk management initiatives organised by the Warrumbungle Shire Council. g. Coordinate a public education program h. Ensure that the currency of this plan is maintained. i. Identify and monitor people and/or communities at risk of flooding. j. Direct the conduct of flood rescue operations. k. Direct the evacuation of people and/or communities. l. Provide immediate welfare support for evacuated people. m. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people and/or communities. n. Provide an information service in relation to:

••• Flood heights and flood behaviour.

••• Road conditions and closures.

••• Advice on methods of limiting property damage.

••• Confirmation of evacuation warnings. o. Coordinate operations to protect property, for example by:

••• Arranging resources for sandbagging operations.

••• Lifting or moving household furniture.

••• Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.

••• Moving farm animals. p. Assist the Warrumbungle Shire Council to organise temporary repairs or improvements to levees. q. Arrange for support (for example, accommodation and meals) for emergency service organisation members and volunteers assisting them. r. If SES resources are available, assist with emergency fodder supply operations conducted by Department of Primary Industries. s. If SES resources are available, assist the NSW Police Force, RTA and Council with road closure and traffic control operations. t. Exercise financial delegations relating to the use of emergency orders as laid down in the SES Controllers’ Handbook.

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u. Coordinate the collection of flood intelligence.

v. Submit Situation Reports to the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters and agencies assisting within the council area. These will contain information on:

••• Road conditions and closures.

••• Current flood behaviour.

••• Current operational activities.

••• Likely future flood behaviour.

••• Likely future operational activities.

••• Probable resource needs.

w. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood situation and the operational response.

x. Issue the ‘All Clear’ when flood operations have been completed.

y. Ensure that appropriate Debriefs/After Action Reviews are held after floods.

z. Assist in the establishment and deliberations of the Recovery Coordinating Committee.

1.5.3 Baradine and Dunedoo Unit Controllers:

a. Conduct flood operations within the Warrumbungle Shire Council area as directed by the SES Local Controller.

b. Submit Situation Reports to the SES Local Headquarters, the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters and agencies assisting within the local area.

c. Assist the SES Local Controller with flood preparedness activities, including:

••• Flood planning.

••• Training of unit members.

••• The development of flood intelligence.

••• The development of warning services.

••• Floodplain risk management initiatives.

••• Public education.

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1.5.4 Baradine and Dunedoo SES Unit Members:

a. Carry out flood response tasks. These may include:

••• The management of the Unit Headquarters Operations Centres.

••• Gathering flood intelligence.

••• Flood rescue.

••• Evacuation.

••• Providing immediate welfare for evacuated people.

••• Delivery of warnings and information.

••• Resupply.

••• Levee monitoring.

••• Sandbagging.

••• Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

••• Moving farm animals.

••• Assisting in repairing or improving levees.

••• Assisting with road closure and traffic control operations.

••• Assisting with emergency fodder supply operations.

b. Assist with preparedness activities.

c. Undertake training in flood operations.

1.5.5 Ambulance Service of NSW, Baradine, Coolah, Coonabarabran and Dunedoo:

a. Provide Ambulance transport and pre-hospital care for all injured persons, as detailed in the Ambulance Service AmbPlan and NSW Major Incident/Disaster Plan; (MEDPLAN).

b. Assist with the evacuation of elderly and/or infirm people.

c. Deploy ambulance resources to areas likely to become isolated, in consultation with the SES Local Controller.

d. Provide a liaison officer to the SES Local Headquarters

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e. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller

1.5.6 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BoM):

a. Provide Flood Watches for the Castlereagh River, Macquarie-Bogan Rivers and Namoi River Catchments.

b. Provide Flood Warnings, incorporating height-time predictions, for Mendooran (AWRC No. 420004).

c. Provide Severe Weather Warnings and/or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings when flash flooding is likely to occur.

1.5.7 Australian Rail Track Corporation: Broadmeadow

a. Close and re-open railway lines as necessary and advise the SES Local Controller.

b. Arrange trains for evacuations and/or commuting purposes.

1.5.8 Caravan Park Proprietors, (Dunedoo Caravan Park, Coonabarabran Caravan Park and Coolah Caravan Park):

a. Prepare a Flood Management Plan for the Caravan Park.

b. Ensure that owners and occupiers of caravans are aware that the caravan park is flood liable and what they must do to facilitate evacuation and van relocation when flooding occurs.

c. Ensure that occupiers are informed of flood warnings and flood watches.

d. Coordinate the evacuation of people and the relocation of moveable vans when floods are rising and their return when flood waters have subsided.

e. Inform the SES of the progress of evacuation and/or van relocation operations and of any need for assistance in the conduct of these tasks.

1.5.9 Childcare Centres and Preschools:

a. Flood liable preschools and child care centres are to be contacted by the SES in the event of imminent flooding:

b. When notified the schools and childcare centres should:

••• Liaise with the SES Local Controller and consider the early release of students whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.

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••• Liaise with the SES and arrange for the early release of children whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.

c. Assist with coordinating the evacuation of preschools and childcare centres

1.5.10 Country Energy:

a. Provide advice to the SES Local Controller of any need to disconnect power supplies or of any timetable for reconnection.

b. Clear or make safe any hazard caused by power lines or electrical reticulation equipment.

c. Assess the necessity for and implement the disconnection of customers’ electrical installations where these may present a hazard.

d. Advise the public with regard to electrical hazards during flooding and to the availability or otherwise of the electricity supply.

e. Inspect, test and reconnect customers’ electrical installations as conditions allow.

f. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence.

1.5.11 Department of Community Services (DoCS):

a. Manage evacuation centres.

b. Provide clothing, accommodation, food and welfare services for flood affected people, including stranded travellers.

1.5.12 Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC):

a. Provide technical advice to the SES regarding flood information for streams and rivers in the Castlereagh River, Macquarie-Bogan Rivers and Namoi River Catchments.

1.5.13 Department of Primary Industries, Central West Region:

a. Coordinate the supply and delivery of emergency fodder.

b. Provide advice on dealing with dead and injured farm animals.

c. Provide financial, welfare and damage assessment assistance to flood affected farm people.

d. Coordinate the operation of animal shelter compound to facilitate for domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

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1.5.14 Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS): Dubbo

a. Manage the evacuation of patients from hospitals and nursing homes as required.

b. Ensure aged care health facilities within the area have suitable and relevant flood management and evacuation plans established that provide for their respective needs during an event.

c. Work towards developing a high risk register of people within the community who are home based and in need of special medical support such as dialysis or disabled access requirements.

d. Be prepared to provide a brief on logistical and medical support requirements in order to assist in the evacuation of vulnerable members of the community.

e. Be prepared to provide an administrative health liaison officer to the Warrumbungle SES Local Controller in order to support evacuation operations.

1.5.15 Lions Club (Mendooran and Dunedoo); CWA (Mendooran and Coolah):

Assist with:

a. Delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

c. Sandbagging.

1.5.16 NSW Fire Brigades, Baradine, Coolah, Coonabarabran and Dunedoo:

a. Assist with the conduct of evacuations where\when resources permit.

b. Assist with removal of flood waters from buildings.

c. Assist with cleanup operations, including the hosing out of flood affected properties.

d. Provide a liaison officer to the SES Local Headquarters

e. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller

1.5.17 NSW Police Force, Mudgee LAC:

a. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Assist with the conduct of evacuation operations.

c. Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with Warrumbungle Shire council and/or RTA.

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d. Coordinate the registration of all evacuees.

e. Secure evacuated areas.

f. Provide a liaison officer to the SES Local Headquarters.

g. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller.

1.5.18 RailCorp

a. Close and re-open railway lines as necessary and advise the SES Local Controller.

b. Arrange trains for evacuations and/or commuting purposes.

Note: The State Rail Authority has services within the shire, these lines are as follows; Gulgong – Dunedoo, Dunedoo – Merrygoen, Dubbo – Merrygoen, Merrygoen – Binnaway, Binnaway - Werris Creek. No passenger Services use track lines but they are used for extensive freight operations.

1.5.19 Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA):

a. Close and reopen roads affected by flood waters and advise the SES Local Controller

1.5.20 Rural Fire Service (RFS), Castlereagh Zone:

a. Provide personnel in rural areas and villages to:

••• Inform the Warrumbungle SES Local Controller about flood conditions and response needs in their own communities, and

••• Disseminate flood information.

b. Provide personnel and high-clearance vehicles for flood related activities.

c. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

d. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.

e. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

f. Assist with the removal of caravans.

g. Provide back-up radio communications.

h. Assist with cleanup operations, including the hosing of flood affected properties.

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i. Deploy fire resources if access is expected to be lost in consultation with the SES

j. Provide a liaison officer to the SES Local Headquarters

k. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller

1.5.21 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office Bathurst, Department of Education & Training Dubbo and Private Schools):

a. Liaise with the SES and arrange for the early release of students whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.

b. Pass information to school bus drivers/companies and/or other school principals on expected or actual impacts of flooding.

c. Assist with coordinating the evacuation of the following schools.

••• Baradine Principal Central School

••• Binnaway Principal Central School

••• St Lawrence’s Catholic Central School

••• Coonabarabran High School

••• Coonabarabran Primary School

••• Coonabarabran Pre School

••• Coolah Central School

••• Dunedoo Central School

••• Mendooran Central School

d. Provide space in the schools for Evacuation centres where necessary

1.5.22 Telstra:

a. Maintain telephone services.

b. Repair and restore telephone facilities damaged by flooding.

c. Provide additional telecommunications support for the SES Local and/or Unit Headquarters as required.

d. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence

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1.5.23 Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), Coolah, Coonabarabran and Mendooran:

a. Assist the SES Local Controller with flood operations, where equipment and training are suitable

1.5.24 Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller: LEOCON

a. Monitor flood operations.

b. Coordinate support to the SES Local Controller if requested to do so

c. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller

1.5.25 Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer: LEMO

a. Provide executive support to the Local Emergency Operations Controller in accordance with the Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Disaster Plan.

b. At the request of the SES Local Controller, advise appropriate agencies and of the start of response operations.

c. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller

1.5.26 Warrumbungle Shire Council:

a. Maintain a plant and equipment resource list for the council area.

b. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program.

c. At the request of the Local SES Controller, deploy personnel and resources for flood related activities.

d. Close and reopen council roads (and other roads nominated by agreement with the RTA) and advise the Warrumbungle SES Local Controller, the Police and people who telephone the council for road information.

e. Provide filled sandbags to urban and village areas in which flooding is expected.

f. Assist with the removal of caravans from caravan parks.

g. Provide back-up radio communications.

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h. In the event of evacuations, assist with making facilities available for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

i. Provide for the management of health hazards associated with flooding. This includes maintaining water supply and sewerage systems and removing debris and waste.

j. Ensure premises are fit and safe for reoccupation and assess any need for demolition.

k. Establish and maintain floodplain risk management committees and ensure that key agencies are represented on such committees.

l. Provide flood studies and floodplain management studies to the SES.

m. Be prepared to attend the post event AAR/debrief led by the SES Local Controller

n. Maintain and operate the Dam Failure Warning System for Timor Dam..

o. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program on flooding within the council area.

p. Maintain a Dam Safety Emergency Plan and provide copies to the SES.

q. Provide information on the consequences of dam failure to the SES for incorporation into planning and flood intelligence.

1.5.27 Private Companies (as listed)

Assist with the provision of transport and drivers for evacuation, resupply or commuting purposes;

a. Baradine

••• Greg Beverage Bus 22 seat

b. Binnaway

••• Ray Lewis Bus 15 Seat

c. Coolah

••• David Wesley Buses

••• Kevin & Connie Williams Buses

••• COOLAH Youth Group

••• COOLAH Community Transport

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••• Roger Hadfield Buses 52 seat

••• Fred Clancy Buses Fourteen buses

••• Mark Prugger Buses School bus

••• Brian & David McWhirter Buses 2 x buses

••• Warrumbungle Explorer Ray Neal

••• Coonabarabran Community Transport e. Dunedoo

••• Powers & Squires Buses 37 Seat

••• J Oliver Buses 19 Seat

••• W Hodgen Buses 25 + 43 Seat

••• D Dallman Buses 12 Seat

••• R Cosgrove Werona Buses 37 Seat f. Mendooran

••• Chris Martin Buses 36 seats

••• Fred Sciberras Buses 18 seats

••• Peter Wyner Buses 27 seats

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PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS

2.1 Maintenance Of This Plan

2.1.1 The SES Local Controller will maintain the currency of this plan by:

a. Ensuring that all agencies, organisations and officers mentioned in it are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

b. Conducting exercises to test arrangements.

c. Reviewing the contents of the plan:

••• After each flood operation.

••• When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics occur.

••• When new information from flood studies become available.

••• When flood control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.

••• When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.

2.1.2 In any event, the plan is to be reviewed no less frequently than every five years.

2.2 Floodplain Risk Management

2.2.1 The SES Local Controller will ensure that the SES:

a. Participates in floodplain risk management committee activities when those committees are formed.

b. Consults with the flood prone community about the nature of the flood problem and its management.

c. Informs the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters of involvement in floodplain risk management activities.

2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence

2.3.1 Flood intelligence describes flood behaviour and its effects on the community.

2.3.2 The SES will develop and maintain a flood intelligence system.

2.4 Development of Warning Systems

2.4.1 The SES will establish and/or maintain a flood warning system for areas affected by flooding. This requires:

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a. An identification of the potential clients of flood warning information at different levels of flooding (i.e. who would be affected in floods of differing severities).

b. Available information about the estimated impacts of flooding at different heights.

c. Identification of required actions and the amounts of time needed to carry them out.

d. Appropriate means of disseminating warnings to different clients and at different flood levels.

2.5 Public Education

2.5.1 The SES Local Controller, with the assistance of the Warrumbungle Shire Council, the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters and SES State Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the council area are aware of the flood threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.

2.5.2 Specific strategies to be employed include:

a. Dissemination of flood-related brochures and booklets in flood liable areas.

b. Talks and displays orientated to community organisations and schools.

c. Publicity given to this plan and to flood-orientated SES activities through local media outlets, including articles in local newspapers about the flood threat and appropriate responses.

2.6 Training

2.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out by the members of the Baradine and Dunedoo SES. The Warrumbungle Shire SES Local Controller is responsible for ensuring that the members are:

a. Familiar with the contents of this plan.

b. Trained in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks allocated to the SES

2.7 Resources

2.7.1 The SES Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition and state of readiness of SES equipment and the Warrumbungle SES Local Headquarters.

2.7.2 The Baradine and Dunedoo SES Unit Controllers have similar responsibilities in relation to the Baradine and Dunedoo Unit Headquarters and equipment.

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PART 3 - RESPONSE

3.1 Control

3.1.1 The SES is the legislated Combat Agency for floods and is responsible for the control of flood operations. This includes the coordination of other agencies and organisations for flood management tasks.

3.2 Operations Centres

3.2.1 The Baradine and Dunedoo SES maintain an Operations Centre at:

a. Darling Street, BARADINE NSW 2396

b. Sullivan Street, DUNEDOO NSW 2844.

3.2.2 The Warrumbungle Shire Council Emergency Operations Centres are located at:

a. RFS Fire Control Centre, 51 King Street Coonabarabran NSW 2357

b. RFS Fire Control Centre, 2-4 Martin Street, Coolah NSW 2843

3.3 Operational Management 3.3.1 Baradine Flood Operations will be controlled from the Baradine State Emergency Service Headquarters.

3.3.2 Binnaway Flood Operations will be controlled from the Baradine State Emergency Service Headquarters.

3.3.3 Coolah Flood Operations will be controlled from the Dunedoo State Emergency Service Headquarters.

3.3.2 Coonabarabran and Ulamambri Flood Operations will be controlled from the Baradine State Emergency Service Headquarters.

3.3.4 Dunedoo Flood Operations will be controlled from the Dunedoo State Emergency Service Headquarters.

3.3.5 Mendooran Flood Operations will be controlled from the Gilgandra State Emergency Service Headquarters

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3.4 Liaison

3.4.1 At the request of the SES Local Controller, each agency with responsibilities identified in this plan will provide liaison (including a liaison officer where necessary) to the SES Operations Centre.

3.4.2 Liaison officers are to:

a. Have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at the request of the SES Local Controller,

b. Advise the SES Local Controller on resource availability for their service, and

c. Be able to provide communications to their own organisations.

3.5 Communications

3.5.1 The primary means of office-to-office communications is by telephone and facsimile.

3.5.2 The primary means of communication to and between deployed SES resources is by GRN.

3.5.3 All other organisations will provide communications as necessary to their deployed field teams.

3.5.4 The SES maintains a portable repeater at the Macquarie Region headquarters.

3.5.5 Back-up communications are provided as follows:

a. The Coolah VRA operates on UHF radio network.

b. Warrumbungle Shire Council VHF radio network.

c. RFS - Castlereagh PMR and UHF radio networks.

d. UHF CB radio (for contact with Coonabarabran Police).

3.6 Start of Response Operations

3.6.1 This plan is always active to ensure that preparedness actions detailed in this plan are completed.

3.6.2 Response operations will begin:

a. On receipt of a Bureau of Meteorology Preliminary Flood Warning, Flood Warning, Flood Watch, Severe Weather Warning for flash flooding and/or Severe Thunderstorm Warning for flash flooding.

b. On receipt of a dam failure alert.

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c. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding within the council area.

3.6.3 Contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss the development of flood warnings will normally be through the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters.

3.6.4 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the start of response operations regardless of the location and severity of the flooding anticipated:

a. Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller (for transmission to the NSW Police Force Local Area Command Headquarters).

b. Baradine and Dunedoo SES Unit.

c. Baradine and Dunedoo SES Unit Controllers.

d. Macquarie SES Region Headquarters.

e. Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer (for transmission to appropriate council officers and departments).

f. Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor.

3.6.5 Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the LEMO on the request of the SES Local Controller and as appropriate to the location and nature of the threat.

3.7 Flood Intelligence

3.7.1 Sources of flood intelligence during times of flooding are:

a. Bureau of Meteorology . The Bureau provides:

••• Flood Watches, which give an early appreciation of developing meteorological situations that could lead to flooding. These are normally provided on a whole-catchment basis for the Castlereagh River, Macquarie-Bogan Rivers and Namoi River catchments.

••• Flood Warnings, which include river height readings and height-time predictions. The gauges for which predictions are provided for are listed in Annex C

••• Weather Forecasts warning of potential storm activity

••• Severe Weather Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Flash Flooding, which indicate the potential for flash flooding to occur as a consequence of heavy rainfall.

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b. Macquarie SES Region Headquarters . The Region Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences, including those in nearby council areas.

c. Warrumbungle Shire Council . Provides information regarding road closure in the Warrumbungle Shire Council Area.

d. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). This office advises flow rates and rates of rise. Daily river reports containing information on gauge heights and river flows are available from the website: http://waterinfo.nsw.gov.au/index.html

3.8 Preliminary Deployments

3.8.1 When flooding is expected to be severe enough to cut road access to towns, within towns and/or rural communities, the SES Local Controller will ensure that resources are in place for the distribution of foodstuffs and medical supplies to the areas that could become isolated.

3.8.2 When access between towns is expected to be cut, the SES Local Controller will advise appropriate agencies so that resources (including sandbags, fire fighting appliances, ambulances, etc.) are deployed to ensure that operational capability is maintained.

3.9 Warnings

3.9.1 Warning services operate according to the following arrangements:

a. The Barradine/Dunedoo SES Headquarters:

••• Provides advice to the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding.

••• Coordinates the delivery of warnings to the community by door- knocking, telephone, mobile public address systems, local radio stations and two-way radio.

b. The Macquarie SES Region Headquarters issues warning information in the form of SES Region Flood Bulletins to Media organisations and agencies listed in Annex D.

3.9.2 Warnings are provided as follows:

a. SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings. Following heavy rain or when there are indications of significant creek or river rises (even to levels below Minor Flood heights), the SES Local Controller will advise the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters which will issue SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings.

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b. Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watches. If there are signs of impending floods, Flood Watches will be incorporated in SES Flood Bulletins issued by the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters.

c. Bureau of Meteorology Flood Warnings . Flood Warnings are issued for the locations detailed in Annex C. On receipt of such warnings, the Warrumbungle SES Local Controller will:

••• Advise the Warrumbungle Shire Council and the Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller.

••• Provide the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters with information for inclusion in SES Flood Bulletins on the estimated impacts of flooding at the predicted heights.

d. Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warning and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings . The BoM issues these warnings direct to media outlets. These warnings will also be incorporated into SES Region Flood Bulletins where appropriate.

e. SES Local Flood Advices. The SES may issue Local Flood Advices for the gauges listed in Annex C. These are issued in SES Region Flood Bulletins.

f. Evacuation Warnings. A template guide to the content of evacuation warning messages is at Annex E.

g. Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). This signal may be played over radio and television stations to alert communities to Evacuation Warnings, Special Warnings or Dam-Failure Warnings. Approval to use the signal will be obtained by the Warrumbungle SES Local Headquarters from the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters.

3.10 Information

3.10.1 The Macquarie SES Region Headquarters issues SES Flood Bulletins to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all SES units in the Region. SES Flood Bulletins contain the following information relating to all council areas in which flooding is occurring:

a. Current warnings, together with indications of the likely impact of flooding at any predicted heights.

b. Current flood heights and flood behaviour.

c. Details of conditions and closures of main roads.

d. Advice on safety matters and means of protecting property.

3.10.2 The SES Local Headquarters provides a “phone-in” information service for the community in relation to current warnings, river heights, flood behaviour,

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road conditions and closures of local and main roads and advice on safety matters and means of protecting property.

3.10.3 Collation and dissemination of road information is actioned as follows:

a. The SES Local Controller provides road status reports for main roads in the council area to the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters Road Information Cell and to the Mudgee Police Local Area Command Headquarters. The Road Information Cell obtains information from the Police, Council, and RTA.

b. The Macquarie SES Region Headquarters distributes information on main roads to SES units, media outlets and agencies as part of SES Flood Bulletins.

c. The Road Information Cell also provides a “phone-in” service to the public.

3.10.4 Situation Reports (SITREPS) The SES Local Controller is to ensure that the Macquarie SES Region Controller is regularly briefed on the progress of operations and on future resource needs. SITREPS are to be forwarded to region headquarters when operational by 0600hrs, 1200hrs and 1600hrs.

3.11 Road Control

3.11.1 A number of roads within the council area are affected by flooding. Details are provided in Annex B.

3.11.2 The council closes and re-opens its own roads. Merriwa-Craboon, Mendooran- Dunedoo and Mendooran-Coonabarabran roads, The RTA close and re-open the Newell and Oxley Highways within the council area.

3.11.3 The NSW Police Force has the authority to close and re-open roads but will normally only do so (if the council or the RTA have not already acted) if public safety requires such action.

3.11.4 When resources permit, the SES assists Council or the Police by erecting road closure signs and barriers.

3.12 Traffic Control.

3.12.1 In the event of major flooding, the SES Local Controller may direct the imposition of traffic control measures. The entry into flood affected areas will be controlled in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency Service Act, 1989 (Part 5, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 22) and the State Emergency Rescue Management Act, 1989 (Part 4, Sections 60KA, 60L and 61).

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3.13 Flood Rescue

3.13.1 The SES Local Controller is responsible for the coordination of flood rescue.

3.13.2 Flood rescues, may be carried out by accredited units using high clearance vehicles, flood boats and (under some circumstances) helicopters.

3.13.3 Additional flood boats and crews can be requested through the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters.

3.14 Evacuations

3.14.1 Refer to Annex E.

3.15 Essential Services

3.15.1 The SES Local Controller will ensure that the providers of essential services (electricity, water, sewerage, medical and public health) are kept advised of the flood situation. Essential service providers must keep the SES Local Controller abreast of their status and ongoing ability to provide those services.

3.16 Logistics

3.16.1 The SES Local Headquarters maintains a small stock of sandbags, and back- up supplies are available through the Macquarie State Emergency Service Region Headquarters. A motorised sandbag-filling machine is available from Baradine, Coonamble and Dubbo. Alternatively, local concrete trucks may be used.

3.17 Aircraft Management

3.17.1 Aircraft can be used for a variety of purposes during flood operations including evacuation, rescue, resupply, reconnaissance and emergency travel.

3.17.2 Air support operations will be conducted under the control of the SES Region Headquarters, which may allocate aircraft to units if applicable. The SES Local Controller may task aircraft allocated by the Region Headquarters for flood operations within the Council area.

3.17.3 Airport.

a) Runway access at the Coolah airport remains open until runway becomes heavy due to wetness, its composition is of brown gravel/grass surface. The airport has a total length of 1194m with no beacons and is capable of handling small aircraft only.

b) Runway access to Baradine airport is strictly limited to dry weather only and can be isolated from the town.

c) Coonabarabran Airport remains open in most circumstances with a sealed surface. The runway length is 1700m with light activation.

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3.17.4 Helicopter Landing Points

Baradine Binnaway Coolah Coonabarabran Mendooran

Central School Oval Hospital Hospital Showground

Baradine Airport Central School Bowan Oval Showground

High School

3.18 Resupply of Isolated Towns and Villages

3.18.1 The towns of Mendooran and Ulamambri will require resupply in a moderate level flood, The resupply is likely to be only short with no major challenges anticipated.

3.18.2 The SES is responsible for the coordination of the resupply of isolated communities. If flood predictions indicate that areas are likely to become isolated, the SES local Controller should advise businesses (normally through the Warrumbungle Shire Council) that they should stock up.

3.18.3 When isolation occurs, storekeepers will be expected to place orders on suppliers where they have a line of credit and to instruct those suppliers to package their goods and deliver them to loading points designated by the SES.

3.18.4 Where practicable the SES Local Controller will arrange for the delivery from normal suppliers of essential foodstuffs, fuels or urgent medical supplies required by an isolated property or community. This may be done using high clearance vehicles, flood boats or, on occasions, aircraft.

3.18.5 The Warrumbungle Shire Council will establish and chair a vetting committee to ensure that only essentials are ordered and that the business requesting the supplies is not using the flood as a means of restocking free of charge.

3.18.6 Where supplies are not available within the council area, the SES Local Controller may request them through the Macquarie SES Region Headquarters. The Region Headquarters will usually arrange for them to be delivered to the SES Local Controller for further distribution within the council area.

3.18.7 The SES is prepared to deliver mail to isolated communities but may not be able to do so according to normal Australia Post timetables, and will assist hospitals with resupply of linen and other consumables.

3.19 Resupply of Isolated Properties

3.19.1 Only a small number of properties would require resupply during floods. The dwellings themselves would not be flooded. The flooding would be of a short time only and these properties would be self sufficient.

3.19.2 The resupply of isolated properties is a common requirement during floods and coordination can be difficult because requests can emanate from a variety

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of sources. Property owners may call their suppliers direct or place their orders with the SES, through DoCS, or through their own social networks.

3.19.3 The principles to be applied when planning for the resupply of isolated properties are:

a. The SES will coordinate resupply and establish a schedule.

b. DoCS will liaise with the SES concerning property holders who place orders with them. They will include people in dire circumstances who receive resupply at no cost. DoCS has a well developed system for this situation, including a standard list of approved resupply items.

c. If a property holder seeks resupply from the SES and claims to be, or is considered to be, in dire circumstances, he/she is to be referred to DoCS.

d. Local suppliers will liaise with the SES regarding delivery of resupply items to the designated loading point.

e. Local suppliers are responsible for packaging resupply items for delivery.

3.20 Assistance for Animals

3.20.1 Matters relating to the welfare of livestock, companion animals and wildlife (including feeding and rescue) are to be referred to Department of Primary Industries.

3.20.2 Requests for emergency supply and/or delivery of fodder to stranded livestock, or for livestock rescue, are to be passed to Department of Primary Industries.

3.21 Stranded Travellers

3.21.1 Flood waters can strand travellers. Travellers seeking assistance will be referred to DoCS for the arrangement of temporary accommodation.

3.22 All Clear

3.22.1 When the danger to life and property has passed, the SES Local Controller will issue an ‘All Clear’ message, in consultation with the Region controller signifying that response operations have been completed. This message will also advise details of arrangements for evacuated residents to return to their homes or indicate what longer-term accommodation arrangements have been made for those unable to do so, on the recognition of the following.

a. The flood water heights on the Castlereagh and Macquarie River gauges have dropped below the minor flood level.

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b. That the majority of community requests for assistance (RFA) have been actioned by the local SES Unit and response to outstanding RFA’s are within their capability.

c. There are no identified public health risks.

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PART 4 - RECOVERY

4.1 Welfare

4.1.1 The Department of Community Services will provide for the long-term welfare of people who have been evacuated.

4.2 Recovery Coordination

4.2.1 The SES Local Controller will ensure that planning for long-term recovery operations begins at the earliest opportunity. This is to be done by briefing the chairman of the Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee on the details of the flooding and assisting in the establishment of a Recovery Coordinating Committee.

4.2.2 The Recovery Coordinating Committee is to prepare an outline plan for recovery operations and be prepared to recommend how such operations would best be controlled and coordinated.

4.2.3 The recovery coordinating committee will be established in accordance with provisions under the State Displan.

4.3 Arrangements for Debriefs / After Action Reviews

4.3.1 As soon as possible after flooding has abated, the SES Local Controller will advise participating organisations of details of response operation debrief/after action review arrangements.

4.3.2 The SES Local Controller will ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to record details of the debrief/after action review and each item requiring further action is delegated to an organisation or individual to implement.

4.3.3 Follow-up to ensure the satisfactory completion of these actions will be undertaken by the Warrumbungle Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee.

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ANNEX A - THE FLOOD THREAT

Landforms and River Systems

1. The southern portion of the Warrumbungle Shire Council is drained by the Talbragar River, a major tributary of the Macquarie River. Land in the north and east of the council area is undulating and rugged, creek gradients are steep and flood warning times and durations of inundation are short. Towards the south and west, the terrain moderates, floodplain areas are more extensive and warning times and periods of inundation are longer.

2. The northern part of the Warrumbungle Shire is dominated by the Warrumbungle Range, which is drained to the south, west and north-west by the Castlereagh River and to the north and east by several tributaries of the Namoi River. Many of the streams in the council area flow only intermittently.

3. Much of the flooding which is experienced, especially in the upland areas, occurs with relatively little warning time. Flooding has been infrequent in recent years but severe floods have occurred in the past. Nevertheless most floods cause nuisance and inconvenience to the council area rather than severe consequences.

Castlereagh River

4. The Castlereagh River forms part of the Barwon-Darling system of rivers. It rises on the rugged eastern slopes of the main section of the Warrumbungle Range at elevations of over 800 metres, flowing in an easterly direction through broken, and hilly country to a point about 12 kilometres east of the town of Coonabarabran. There it swings south and flows past Ulamambri and Binnaway. On these upper reaches several tributaries, the most important of them being Shawn, Gundi, Billy Kings, Baby and Terrawinda creeks, join the main river.

5. Both the upper river and its higher tributaries are confined to fairly narrow floodplains by the surrounding hills. These floodplains widen at Ulamambri and downstream, the terrain moderating towards the south and the river being joined by the tributary Jack Halls, Belar, Spring, Greenbah and Ulinda creeks. Areas inundated during times of flooding are of only limited extent above Ulamambri but widen there and downstream.

6. Teridgerie Creek, which joins the Castlereagh River downstream of Coonamble, rises in the council area on the northern slopes of the Warrumbungle Ranges. Some un-named tributaries flow through Baradine.

7. The main tributaries on this reach are Ulinda, Butheroo and Merrygoen creeks, which rise in the eastern Warrumbungle’s and the low range of hills to the west of Coolah. These creeks together drain about a third of the Coolah Shire Council area. At Mendooran, the catchment of the Castlereagh River is 3,600 square kilometres and that of Merrygoen Creek about 370 square kilometres.

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8. The Talbragar upper tributaries are in the high ground of Liverpool Range (part of the Great Dividing Range). The most important of these are Turee Creek, which enters the river just above Uarbry, and the Coolaburragundy River which enters between Leadville and Dunedoo. For most of its length, the river flows through a narrow valley, the floodplain widening to about a kilometre at the point at which the river leaves the council area about 10 kilometres downstream of Cobbora.

Namoi River Tributaries

9. Cox’s Creek and its main tributaries, Saltwater and Garawilla creeks, drain much of the eastern part of the council area, while Baradine, Bugaldie, Yeariman, Dandry, Borah and Yaminbah creeks drain the northern slopes of the Warrumbungle’s and the Pilliga Scrub. All these streams flow in a northerly direction to the Namoi River. Extensive areas can be flooded from Cox’s Creek, but on the other streams the areas inundated are usually confined to those in close proximity to the channels.

Storage Dams

10. Timor Dam is a small water storage situated about 20 river kilometres above Coonabarabran on the Castlereagh River. This dam is not considered to be deficient.

Weather Systems and Flooding

11. Most of the council area averages between 500 and 600mm of rain annually, totals rising to more than 900mm in parts of the range country which produces an important orographic effect. The summer months, particularly January and February, tend to be the wettest, with the period between November and March regularly receiving more than half the annual rainfall. Heavy rains can also occur at other times of year, however.

12. Flooding in the council area usually results from one of three main mechanisms. These are:

a. Cyclonic depressions forming troughs extending from northern Australia and directing northerly streams of moist, unstable air into northern and central western NSW. Such systems, which occur during the warmer months, frequently produce intense short-period rainfalls leading to flooding. The record flood of February 1955 was of this origin, as were most of the other serious flood events on the upper Castlereagh River.

b. Well-developed low-pressure troughs associated with depressions well to the south of the council area. Sequences of such troughs can produce high rainfall totals over a period of weeks, with falls being less intense than those experienced in summer and the floods generally being less severe. Such sequences tend to occur in the winter months.

c. High-intensity, short-duration convective thunderstorms bringing very heavy rain and causing local runoff, `flash' flooding on minor tributaries and the

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surcharging of artificial drainage systems in built-up areas. Such storms are largely confined to the late spring, summer and early autumn months and do not create main-stream flooding.

Characteristics of Flooding

13. Floods on the upper Castlereagh River are generally fast to rise and fall, and warning times are correspondingly short. Indicative travel times of flood flows from Coonabarabran to Ulamambri (26km) and Ulamambri and Binnaway (41km) are three and five hours respectively. It must be noted, however, that flow times vary greatly between events and in general a flood wave travels most quickly in the more severe events as is shown by the following times for the reach between Binnaway and Mendooran.

Table 1, Approximate travel times of design floods, Binnaway to Mendooran

AEP ARI Binnaway to (%) (years) Mendooran 20 5 13 10 10 8 5 20 6 2 50 4 1 100 3 14. Floods in the council area are generally fast to rise and fall, especially in the higher reaches of the Castlereagh River and its tributaries, and warning times and durations of inundation are correspondingly short.

15. Indicative travel times of flood flows from Coonabarabran to Ulamambri (26km) and Ulamambri to Binnaway (41km) are five and three hours respectively. It must be noted, however, that flow times may vary greatly between events as is shown by the fact that times between nine and 47 hours have been recorded for flows from Coonabarabran to Gilgandra. In general, the travel times of flood peaks are more rapid in the more severe events.

16. In the upper reaches of the Castlereagh River and on its tributaries within the council area, stream gradients are steep. Velocities can be dangerously high, values of up to 3 metres per second having been noted at Coonabarabran.

17. Widespread sheet flooding, with water up to a metre deep, can occur across paddocks in the Goolhi area in the north-east of the council area. Retention dams are being built on Bow Creek to mitigate the impacts of this flooding. Few historical records exist on flooding on Cox’s Creek and its tributaries.

18. Flooding also occurs in the Baradine area from Baradine Creek and from un- named tributaries of Teridgerie Creek.

Flood History

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19. Little data exists on the history of flooding on the Castlereagh River before 1950, though serious floods are known to have occurred on the upper river in 1874, 1890 and 1920 - on each occasion in January.

20. Since 1950, records at Coonabarabran and Binnaway indicate the following peak heights and maximum discharges:

Table 2, Historical Floods in Warrumbungle Shire

Coonabarabran Binnaway Peak Height Max. Discharge Peak Height Max. Discharge (metres) (ML/day) (metres) (ML/day) Nov 1950 NA NA 10.1 NA Feb 1955 6.51 26,400 9.0 NA Oct 1969 5.84 19,600 6.55 61,000 Feb 1971 6.43 24,800 9.60 126,000 Oct/Nov 1973 3.28 6,050 4.66 33,000 Jan 1974 5.97 20,800 8.56 101,000 Jan 1976 4.65 11,900 6.1 53,200

21. Ulamambri experienced serious flooding in the 1950 and 1955 events, flood waters reaching depths of up to 2 metres at the grain elevators. The 1955 flood was the most severe ever recorded at Ulamambri and Binnaway but the 1950 event was more severe at Coonabarabran.

22. Since the 1970s flooding within the Warrumbungle Shire Council area has been infrequent and generally to only low levels. Flooding of moderate severity did occur in April 1990, however.

23. Very severe floods occurred in November 1950 and February 1955. The latter was the worst flood to have been recorded at Mendooran this century and reached a gauge height of 10.06m, but the 1874 flood may have reached even higher levels at the town. In 1955, flood waters remained within the town for about 24 hours.

24. Although floods on the Talbragar River generally occur every few years, very few have actually caused any damage. Only the floods of 1870, 1920, 1926, 1950 and 1955 are known to have broken the banks. The flood of 1955 was the largest on record. This flood, which was produced by record rainfalls in the upper catchment, caused extensive damage. By comparison the floods of 1920 and 1950, which were the next highest, only backed up into the low spots along the river, filling old meander arms and covering low flats, and caused little damage. The floods of the period since 1955 have only rarely broken the river's banks and then only for short periods and short reaches.

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25. At Coolah, on the Coolaburragundy River, the worst flood ever recorded was in 1984 but the 1955 flood was nearly as severe. No peak heights are available from either event.

Flood Mitigation Systems

26. Baradine has a metre-high contour levee bank which has been built to protect properties west of the railway line by pushing water back into defined watercourses which drain to Teridgerie Creek.

Extreme Flooding

27. The worst floods ever experienced in the Warrumbungle Shire Council area in living memory should not be regarded as the most severe which can occur there. Worse floods than have been seen by present residents are possible. Such floods will be rare, but they may reach considerably greater heights than have previously been experienced. In addition, they would be likely to be both faster to rise and more dangerous in terms of depth and velocity than previous events.

28. No calculation of the gauge heights which would be reached by floods of PMF (Probable Maximum Flood) proportions have been made for locations within the council area, but an indication of the potential height of an extreme event at Mendooran is given by an estimate at Gilgandra of the level which would be reached in a `once-in-2500-years' flood there. Such a flood, which would have a peak discharge three times that of the 1% AEP event (which is roughly approximated by the 1955 flood at Gilgandra) is thought likely to reach a level 3.5m higher than the 1955 flood.

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

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ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE COMMUNITY

Community Profile

Census Description Coolah Coonabarabran Mendooran Baradine Dunedoo

Total Persons 785 2748 322 699 837 Total Dwellings 381 1249 162 285 373 Total persons aged 65 years and over 148 581 69 142 157 Total persons aged below 15 years 195 576 62 156 198 Total persons of indigenous origin 17 353 14 39 35 Total persons using Internet 165 616 74 95 168 Single parent families 30 132 12 22 38 Persons living alone 102 334 34 71 80 Total persons who do not speak English well 0 7 0 0 0 Total persons who lived at a different address 5 years ago 307 961 103 176 295 Households without vehicles 22 121 13 27 18 Total persons residing in caravans, cabins or houseboats 4 33 3 4 14 Mean household size 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.6 Table 3, Warrumbungle Shire Community Profile (Source: ABS 2001)

Specific Risk Areas

1. Substantial areas within the Warrumbungle Shire Council area can be affected by flooding, whether by being cut off from road access or by inundation of property or buildings. Much of the flooding which occurs is of nuisance value, but on occasions floods can be severe enough to cause substantial damage to farm operations (including crop, stock and fence losses) and to necessitate evacuation from dwellings. Very severe floods such as the flood of 1955 caused great damage to rural areas by washing away or tangling fences, washing out windmills, damaging houses and removing large volumes of

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topsoil. Impacts on farms are particularly noteworthy in areas close to Cox’s Creek.

Mendooran

2. Mendooran (2001 census population 322) is located at the confluence of the Castlereagh River and Merrygoen Creek, mostly on the common floodplain of the two streams. The town suffers inundation only in very severe floods such as that of 1955, when waters break out of the Castlereagh River along defined flood runners to Mendooran and Merrygoen creeks. At the town itself the left (southern) bank of the Castlereagh River is high and the flooding of the built-up area occurs largely from water backing up Merrygoen Creek from the river. The results of this flood mechanism are that:

a. Flooding occurs at very low velocities, even though main-channel velocities may be relatively high (of the order of 2-3 metres per second), and

b. The northern section of the town would be likely to remain flood-free in all but the most extreme events.

3. Because of the low velocities in 1955, when virtually all of the commercial properties and about 100 dwellings were flooded, the amount of structural damage caused was small. Depths of inundation over ground level were generally below one metre.

4. A repeat of this flood would cause the inundation of more than two thirds of the area of Mendooran and a complete evacuation may become necessary. Many of the residents are elderly and would need assistance. Given the potential scale of an evacuation operation, it is likely that some assistance would need to come from Dubbo.

Coolah

5. Coolah (2001 census population 785) is located at the edge of the right-bank floodplain of the Coolaburragundy River, which has a catchment area of 216 square kilometres to this point.

6. Most of the town is on high ground above the floodplain, but lower areas are directly affected including the caravan park, some dwellings, the council's water main and the downstream end of the railway yards. The affected streets are Booyamurra, Lyndock and Binnia Sts and the intersection of Charles and Binnia streets may also be inundated.

7. In 1984, six houses were flooded. Records of depths of inundation and velocities of flood flow are not available, though it is known that flow velocities can be quite high. Warning times are short, and much of the flooding is `flash' flooding.

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Coonabarabran

8. Most flood flows at Coonabarabran (2001 census population 2,748) are confined to the immediate vicinity of the river, and the town is not greatly affected by flooding. Low-lying parts of Namoi St and Horsley St have been flooded, however, two houses having been affected, and flood water has entered the lower part of the caravan park near the Oxley Highway. More houses may be flood liable in severe events.

Ulamambri

9. Ulamambri, near the confluence of the Castlereagh River and Baby and Billy Kings creeks, can be flooded by Baby Creek and the main river separately or in concert. The worst problems occur when peak discharges in the two streams coincide: in this situation, flows from Baby Creek are unable to enter the river and back up into the village. Nearly all the land in the village can be inundated and virtually complete evacuation could be necessary. The population of less than 100 includes a significant proportion of elderly people who would be likely to need assistance.

Binnaway

10. Binnaway (2001 census population 528) is located on a high bank of the Castlereagh River and is only flooded in the more severe events. In 1950 and 1955, flood waters entered the town and some properties in the lower end of Bullinda St and in Renshaw, David and Yuebla streets suffered inundation. In a bigger flood, water would break out near Napier St along a former channel and create an island including properties in Cisco, Norman, Renshaw, David and Yuebla Streets. Access would be available via the Corry Bridge.

Baradine

11. Baradine (2001 census population 696) is located on Baradine Creek and on some barely-formed tributaries of Teridgerie Creek. About six houses on the airport road on the town's eastern edge were flooded from Baradine Creek in the early 1970s. Sheet flooding can occur from the south of the town, and a metre- high contour bank has been built to protect properties west of the railway line by pushing water back into defined watercourses which drain to Teridgerie Creek.

12. Flooding occurs across low points on all the roads around the town, which has been isolated for three to four days. Shorter-period isolation is quite common. Resupply may be necessary and Baradine Airport would be unserviceable.

13. In the 1970 floods, the areas of Wellington Street (Main Street) west of the Railway line were subject to flooding up to about 0.6 - 0.7 metres above ground level. Houses east of the railway line in Wellington Street also were inundated. Water came up to within a few centimetres of the RSL club and the football oval was covered by about 0.6m of water.

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14. A repeat of the 1970 flood would see some newly developed homes, at the western end (near the football oval)of Masman Street, flooded

Dunedoo

15. Dunedoo (2001 census population 840) is located in the south eastern part of the shire near the Talbragar River, flooding can occur from the north of the town across the low flats. The town itself is not affected by flooding, in extreme flooding there is the possibility of road closures off the main East - West highway.

Road Closures

16. Known points of road closure during floods are indicated and described below. Most closures within the council area are for periods of a few hours to a day, and alternative routes are usually available:

Table 4, Road Closures in Warrumbungle Shire Council

ROAD USUAL POINT(S) OF CLOSURE COMMENTS/ IMPLICATIONS

Coonabarabran - Nandi Ck, 2 k west of Coonabarabran. Local flooding; closure for 6-8 hours; Warrumbungle National Park significant property isolation.

Coonabarabran - Purlewaugh Three locations E and W of Ulamambri Ulamambri isolated when all streams in (Billy Kings Ck, Castlereagh R, Baby Ck). flood; could last 3-4 days.

Coonabarabran - Binnaway Three locations (Derringulla Rd crossing, Binnaway accessible only via Mollyan Woolshed and Mow creeks). for 3-5 days in severe events.

Coonabarabran - Baradine At Bugaldie Ck. Closure for 4-5 days; bypass via Yarrigan State Forest.

Purlewaugh - Premer At Saltwater (2 crossings) and Bomera Closure for up to 2 days. creeks.

Baradine - Coonamble Teridgerie Ck bridge. All-weather road; has had water covering it and been closed for 2 days.

Merriwa -Craboon road (MR at Uarbry Causeway 62)

Coolah -Mullaley road (MR at Sawpit Gully 55)

Dunedoo -Mendooran road at Mendooran (MR 77)

Tooraweenah -Mendooran road at Mendooran (MR 205)

Coonabarabran - Mendooran at Mendooran. road (MR 374)

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Rural Areas

17. General overland flooding causing local roads closure in extreme events.

Camping Reserves

18. None in any known flood zones

19.

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ANNEX C - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE WARRUMBUNGLE SES LOCAL HEADQUARTERS

Gauge Name Type Station Stream Flood Classification Reading Owner No Arrangements Min Mod Maj Binnaway No 1 10026 Castlereagh R 7.50 8.40 Council Council Binnaway ‡ 420007 Castlereagh R 7.50 8.40 DECC Bomera Ck 10031 Cox’s Ck Local reader SES Caigan ‡ Manual 10070 Castlereagh R 1.50 3.00 6.00 Local reader

Coolah Manual 421056 Coolaburragundy R Council DECC

Coonabarabran † ‡ Manual 420013 Castlereagh R Council DECC Coonabarabran No 1 Manual 420002 Castlereagh R Council DECC (Nandi Park)

Denison Town ‡ Manual 10120 Talgrabrar R 2.00 3.00 4.00 SES Council

Hidden Valley Manual 420017 Castlereagh R Local reader NA Mendooran* ‡ Telemeter 420004 Castlereagh R 2.40 5.00 9.00 Council DECC Merotherie Manual 421047 Talgrabrar R 3.00 3.80 4.00 Local reader DECC Neilrex Manual 420012 Butheroo Ck Local reader DECC (Coolah) Premer (Gunnedah 10303 Cox’s Ck Local reader SES Shire)

Tambar Springs Telemeter 419033 Cox’s Ck 4.90 6.40 6.70 DECC DECC (Gunnedah Shire) ‡

Ulamambri Manual 420019 Castlereagh R Local reader DECC Uarbry ‡ 10395 Talbragar R 2.50 4.80 5.00 Council Council

Wongoni Br NA Merrygoen Ck Local reader Council Yulinda NA Binnia Ck Local reader Council

Notes:

1. The Bureau of Meteorology provides flood warnings for the gauges marked with an asterisk (*). 2. SES Local Flood Advices are provided for the gauges marked with a single cross (†). 3. The SES holds a Flood Intelligence Card for the gauges marked with a double cross ( ‡).

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ANNEX D - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS

The Macquarie SES Region Headquarters distributes SES Flood Bulletins and other flood related information (including Flood Warnings) to the following regional media outlets:

Television Stations:

Station Location WIN Dubbo Prime Dubbo

Radio Stations:

Station Location Frequency Modulation 2DU Dubbo 1251 AM Zoo FM Dubbo 92.7 FM 2MG Mudgee 1449 AM Real FM Mudgee 93.1 FM 2MO Gunnedah 1080 AM Triple G Gunnedah 97.5 FM 2TM Tamworth 1287 AM

Newspapers:

Name Location Coonabarabran Times 44 Dalgarno St., Coonabarabran Mudgee Guardian Market St Mudgee Daily Liberal (Dubbo) PO Box 311 Dubbo NSW 2830

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ANNEX E - EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WARRUMBUNGLE SHIRE AREA

Background

1. In most floods, no evacuations are required from rural areas, villages or towns. Serious flooding may result in some evacuations from Baradine, Ulamambri, Binnaway, Coonabarabran, rural residences and from the town of Coolah.

2. Extreme flooding may require the evacuation of most of Ulamambri and up to about a third of the population of Binnaway. Because of the relatively short warning times available, some evacuations are likely to occur after inundation has begun.

3. A very severe flood could necessitate the complete evacuation of Mendooran

Arrangements

4. Control. During floods evacuations will be controlled by the NSW SES. Small-scale evacuations will be controlled by the SES Local Controller. Should the evacuations operations escalate beyond the capabilities of local resources control may be handed over to the Macquarie SES Region Controller.

5. Conduct. Evacuations will be controlled by the SES and conducted in five phases:

a. Phase 1 – Decision to evacuate

b. Phase 2 - Warning.

c. Phase 3 – Withdrawal.

d. Phase 4 – Shelter.

e. Phase 5 – Return.

Phase 1 – Decision to Evacuate

6. The decision to evacuate. The responsibility for issuing any general evacuation order during flooding rests with the SES Local Controller who exercises his/her authority in accordance with Section 22(1) of The State Emergency Service Act 1989. However, the decision to evacuate will usually be made after consultation with the Local Emergency Operations Controller and the Macquarie SES Region Controller.

7. When evacuation should occur. As far as possible, evacuation will be carried out before inundation occurs.

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8. Self-motivated evacuation. Some people will make their own decision to evacuate earlier and move to alternative accommodation using their own transport. These evacuees will be advised, via the media, to inform the Police or SES of their evacuation and their temporary address.

9. Evacuation triggers.

a. Failure of Essential Services. The failure of public utilities such as sewerage, power, telephones and water pose a significant health risk to residents on the floodplain or in flood affected areas. In the event of any or all of these systems failing or potentially failing, the need for evacuations will be discussed with the members of the LEMC.

b. Flooding affecting properties. Evacuations are to occur, if it is likely properties will be flooded.

c. Isolation of properties. Persons who are not prepared for isolation or unsuited due to medical conditions etc, should be encouraged to evacuate.

d. Dam Failure . Evacuations are to occur when advised by Warrumbungle Shire Council of Imminent Dam.

Evacuation Triggers/Sectors e. Baradine . Evacuations will be considered when the Baradine Creek rises and Breaks its banks, a depth of 0.6m can be expected along Wellington Street. There is no flood gauge or warning system.

f. Binnaway. Evacuations will be considered when the Castlereagh River at the Binnaway Gauge (42007) is expected to rise to a height over 6m.

g. Coonabarabran . Evacuations will be considered when the Castlereagh River at the Coonabarabran Gauge (420013) is expected to rise to a height over 4.5m

h. Mendooran . Evacuations will be considered when the Castlereagh River at the Mendooran Gauge (420004) is expected to rise to a height over 5m

i. Ulamambri . Evacuations will be considered when the Castlereagh River and Baby and Billy Kings creeks are in flood. A back up of the baby creek will cause inundation of the town. There is no flood gauge or warning system

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4.3.4 Operations Management of Evacuations. a. Baradine Flood Operations will be controlled from the Baradine State Emergency Service Headquarters. b. Binnaway Flood Operations will be controlled from the Baradine State Emergency Service Headquarters. c. Coolah Flood Operations will be controlled from the Dunedoo State Emergency Service Headquarters. d. Coonabarabran and Ulamambri Flood Operations will be controlled from the Baradine State Emergency Service Headquarters. e. Dunedoo Flood Operations will be controlled from the Dunedoo State Emergency Service Headquarters. f. Mendooran Flood Operations will be controlled from the Gilgandra State Emergency Service Headquarters

4.3.5 To assist with the operational management, each town is referred to as a sector and may also be divided into Sub Sectors. a. Baradine Sectors

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

E-4 b. Binnaway Sectors

c. Coolah Sectors

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E-5 d. Coonabarabran Sectors

e. Mendooran Sectors

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f. Dunedoo Sector

g. Ulamambri Sector

Phase 2 – Warning

2. Evacuation warnings. On the receipt of flood warnings predicting peak heights; the Mudgee SES Local Controller will consult as necessary to determine the level of the threat and the need to consider evacuations. As soon as possible after the decision to evacuate is made, the Mudgee SES Local Controller will issue evacuation warnings to the ‘at risk’ residents, indicating what people should do before evacuating and when actually doing so.

3. Content of Evacuation Warnings. A template guide to the content of evacuation warning messages is at Annex E. These are disseminated via:

• The radio and TV stations listed in Annex D.

• Door-knocks by emergency service personnel.

• Public address systems from emergency service vehicles.

• Telephone.

• Two-way radio.

• SES Flood Bulletins.

Phase 3 – Withdrawal

4. Introduction. Withdrawal involves the actual removal of the community/individuals from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer areas.

5. Movement. Evacuees are to be encouraged to move using their own transport where possible. The SES Local Controller will arrange transport for those people without their own vehicles.

6. Phasing . Area along flood affected area will have priority over non effected area, the towns of Baradine and Mendooran have the highest risk.

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Triggers Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Priority 4

Flood Schools and Child Elderly and infirm Warning Care Centres, Special needs/home care patients

Failure of Hospitals Aged Care Identified at risk Other Essential Facilities home residents residents and Services Special needs/home pets as care patients possible.

Flooding Special needs/home Ground Level Other residents affecting care patients residents/Caravan and pets when properties Parks possible

Isolation of Elderly and infirm Single Parent Resupply properties families

Imminent Identified at risk Schools and Child Elderly and All Ground Dam Failure residents Care Centres, infirm Level immediately Special residents downstream needs/home care Caravan Parks patients

Table 5,Evacuation Priorities

7. Evacuation routes Should any section or entirety of a town or village require complete evacuation the following is to apply.

a) Baradine to be evacuated to Coonabarabran (alternative Coonamble)

b) Binnaway to be evacuated to Coonabarabran (alternative Coolah)

c) Bugaldie to be evacuated to Coonabarabran (alternative Baradine)

d) Coolah to be evacuated to Dunedoo (alternative Binnaway)

e) Coonabarabran to be evacuated to Gilgandra (alternative Gunnedah)

f) Dunedoo to be evacuated to Dubbo (alternative Coolah)

g) Mendooran to be evacuated to Dunedoo (alternative Dubbo Civic centre

h) Ulamambri to be evacuated to Coonabarabran (alternative Binnaway)

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8. Large-scale evacuations When large scale evacuations are likely, the SES controller will liaise with the Macquarie Region Controller.

9. Evacuees from Ulamambri may need to be accommodated at the evacuation centre for two or three days and resupply may be necessary there for that period. When possible, evacuees will be transferred to Coonabarabran by helicopter (or by road after flood waters have subsided if dwellings have been rendered uninhabited)

10. Animals. Assistance animals (guide dogs, hearing assistance animals, etc) will remain in the care of their owners throughout the evacuation. This includes transport and access into evacuation centres etc. Due to safety restrictions, it may not be possible to allow companion animals to accompany their owners when being transported via aircraft or flood rescue boats. Department of Primary Industries will make separate arrangements for the evacuation and care of companion animals.

11. Doorknocking. Field teams conducting doorknocks will record and report back the following information back to the Operations Centre:

• Addresses and locations of houses doorknocked and/or evacuated.

• The number of occupants.

• Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation, assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move belongings).

• Details of residents who refuse to comply with the evacuation order.

12. Refusal to evacuate. Field teams should not waste time dealing with people who are reluctant or refuse to comply with any evacuation order. These cases should be referred to the Local Emergency Management Operations Controller who will arrange for Police to ensure their evacuation.

13. Security. The NSW Police will provide security for evacuated areas.

14. Transport and storage . Transport and storage of furniture from flood threatened properties will be arranged as time and resources permit.

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Phase 4 – Shelter

15. Evacuation centres. The usual purpose of evacuation centres is to meet the immediate needs of victims, not to provide them with accommodation. Evacuees will be advised to go to or be taken to the nearest accessible evacuation centre, which may initially be established at the direction of the SES Local Controller but managed as soon as possible by the Department of Community Services. Any or all of the following sites may be used as evacuation centres:

a. Primary Centres

Baradine Binnaway Coolah Coonabarabran

Town Hall Memorial Hall Sporting Club Shire Hall

Dunedoo Mendooran Ulamambri

Golf club Central School private property (house and sheds ) on hill on south-eastern edge of Ulamambri

16. Action on arrival. On arrival, evacuees will be:

a. registered;

b. medically checked, if necessary; and

c. provided with their immediate welfare needs.

17. Registration. The NSW Police will ensure that all evacuees are registered on arrival at the designated evacuation centres.

18. Animal shelter compounds . Animal shelter compounds will be set up for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees. These facilities will be operated by DPI.

Phase 5 – Return

19. Once it is considered safe to do so, the SES Local Controller will authorise the return of evacuees to their normal or alternative place of residence. This decision will be made in consultation with appropriate officers in regard to matters such as the electrical safety of buildings.

20. The return will be controlled by the SES Local Controller and may be conducted, at his/her request, by DoCS.

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ANNEX F - TEMPLATE EVACUATION WARNING MESSAGE FOR [ENTER NAME OF AREA]

Evacuation Warning for [ ]

Date/Time of Issue: [ ]

Authorised By: [ ]

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a flood level of [ ] metres at [ ] (place) at [ ] (time). This means that the following area(s) may be inundated [ ] .

It is recommended that you prepare to evacuate/for evacuation within the next [ ] hours. If you leave it later, the roads may be congested or closed.

To prepare for evacuation, you should:

• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical items on top. Some items may be able to be placed in ceilings. • Gather medicines, personal and financial documents and mementos together to take with you. • Listen to radio stations [enter station] for further information and to confirm this warning. • If possible, check to see whether your neighbours need help. • Make arrangements for care of pets or companion animals.

If evacuation is necessary:

• Turn off the electricity, gas and water. • Take three days’ supply of clothes with you. • If you have a car, drive to the evacuation centre at [ ] (specify route if appropriate) . • If you don’t have a car, buses will operate on normal routes. Special transport can also be provided on request if necessary, telephone [ ]. • So that you can be accounted for, it is important that you register at the evacuation centre. • After registering, you may go to the house of a friend or relative. Alternatively, accommodation will be arranged for you. • The Police will provide security for your property while you are away.

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

I

MAP 1 - MACQUARIE – BOGAN RIVERS BASIN

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

II

MAP 2 - CASTLEREAGH RIVER BASIN

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

III

MAP 3 - NAMOI RIVER BASIN

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

IV

MAP 4 - WARRUMBUNGLE COUNCIL AREA

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

V MAP 5 - BARADINE

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

VI

MAP 6 - BINNAWAY

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

VII MAP 7 - COOLAH

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

VIII MAP 8 - COONABARABRAN

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

IX MAP 9 - DUNEDOO

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

X MAP 10 - MENDOORAN

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan

XI MAP 11 - ULAMAMBRI

Warrumbungle Shire Local Flood Plan, May 2007, Sub-Plan of Warrumbungle Shire Local Disaster Plan