2022 Floodwaters Continue to Inundate Wentworth

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton spent the day in Wentworth checking out the town  as floodwater continues to inundate the area.

Mrs Dalton said it was important to get out into the community and talk to those impacted.

“The community are worried and as the water lingers the impacts intensify,” Mrs Dalton said.

Some homes have been surrounded by water for months, and a small number have been inundated at this stage. Tourism has copped a hammering and business owners are feeling the pinch.

“One business has lost two thirds of their income and are seeking some sort of financial assistance as they are desperately trying to keep their employees on the books,” Mrs Dalton said.

For the first time since 1956, Wentworth faces a flooded Murray on the back of a reasonable Darling River flow which has helped contribute to the uncertainty. Obtaining accurate river data has been another.

“One local told me one reading is 290mmm above the 1974 level while the manual read said 20mm above 1931 flood, we really need to look at the telemetry once this is all over.”

Wentworth is expecting the peak to hit over the weekend. Mrs Dalton said once water recedes, Wentworth like many other LGAs across Murray, will be looking for financial support to rebuild infrastructure including roads and culverts.

“There is going to have to be significant investment into councils, especially to help rebuild the extensive damage to roads but we need to have a plan and do the rebuild well.

“We also have to get the telemetry right because if we can’t measure river levels correctly, how can we prepare for the future?”