Blue-green algae Report

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WaterNSW has released a blue-green algae report for the Murray River, Darling River, Menindee Lakes and Darling Anabranch.

Summary for Wentworth Shire:

RED ALERT

Darling River at Pooncarie, Burtundy & Ellerslie

Great Darling Anabranch at the Silver City Highway crossing

AMBER ALERT

Murray River at Curlwaa

Read the full blue-green algae report (24 February 2023):

Murray-Sunraysia-RACC-Combined-Report-24-February-2023Download

Alert Definitions for Recreational Waters

Alert Definitions as specified in The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water 2008. The use of these guidelines is endorsed by the Scientific Subcommittee of the NSW Algal Advisory Group.


RED ALERT
These alert levels represent ‘bloom’ conditions. Water will appear green or discoloured and clumps or scums could be visible. It can also give off a strong musty or organic odour. Algae may be toxic to humans and animals. Contact with or use of water from red alert areas should be avoided due to the risk of eye and skin irritation. Drinking untreated or boiled water from these supplies can cause stomach upsets. Alternative water supplies should be sought or activated carbon treatment employed to remove toxins. People should not fish when an algal scum is present. Owners should keep dogs away from high alert areas and provide alternative watering points for stock.


AMBER ALERT
Blue-green algae may be multiplying, and the water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. Generally suitable for water sports, however people are advised to exercise caution in these areas, as blue-green algal concentrations can rise to red alert levels quickly under warm, calm weather conditions.


GREEN ALERT
Blue-green algae occur naturally at low numbers. At these concentrations, algae would not normally be visible, however some species may affect taste and odour of water even at
low numbers and does not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use.

NSW SES Flood Update 27 Feb 2023

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Flood update from NSW SES at 2:58pm on 27 February 2023

Summary

BURTUNDY, POMONA, ELLERSLIE & GREAT DARLING ANABRANCH – MONITOR CONDITIONS

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to MONITOR CONDITIONS of the minor
flooding on the Darling River:

  • Burtundy and surrounds
  • Pomona
  • Ellerslie
  • Great Darling Anabranch

The Bureau of Meteorology advises downstream of Menindee, minor flooding is no longer occurring at Pooncarie. Minor flooding continues at Burtundy.

Current and predicted flows in the Darling River are not likely to cause river level rises at Wentworth.

The Darling River at Pooncarie fell below the minor flood level (6.80 metres) around the midnight Sunday.
The Darling River at Burtundy is currently at 7.33 metres and falling slowly, with minor flooding.
The Darling River at Burtundy is likely to remain above the minor flood level (6.10 metres) through to the end of March.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:

  • Burtundy
  • Pomona
  • Ellerslie
  • Great Darling Anabranch
  • Local roads. causeways, culverts and bridges may be flooded
  • Some rural properties may become isolated by floodwaters.

Read the full press release below.

Burtundy-Pomona-Ellerslie-and-Great-Darling-Anabranch-NSW-SES-Flood-Advice-Monitor-conditions-270223Download

Wentworth Winedown

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The picturesque Australian Inland Botanic Gardens hosted Wentworth Winedown on Saturday 25 February with raving reviews. Free attendance at the Wentworth Winedown was only made possible through the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program funded by the NSW Government.

The aim of this program was to promote the social and economic recovery of regional communities, by renewing social connections and providing a revenue-boost to local businesses, following the extended COVID-19 restrictions across regional NSW and impacts of border closures.

Wentworth Winedown provided great live entertainment from some of Australia’s top performers along with local food and wine vendors serving up a variety of gourmet options.

Local food and drink vendors served up a storm to over 3,000 attendees and included a range of options from Monak Wines, Trentham Estate, Fossey’s Gin Distillery, Cappa Stone Wines, SCAD’s Cruisin Café, The Van, El Gringo’s Mexican Street Food, Peter’s Souvlakis, Outback Almonds, Verdict Catering, Two Black Sheep, Enjoy Catering, Grazing Into Brunch and the Lions Club of Buronga Gol Gol & Friends of the Gardens Committee.

Over 5 hours of live performances from Australian artists included Alice Ivy, Allday, Mallrat and the Mildura formed Loose Bricks (now performing on multiple interstate tours). In a Q&A with the artists, they were excited to be playing a regional concert for music fans and to connect the community in one venue. A member of Loose Bricks said “Rural communities often have to travel long distances to get to see live music which is expensive and often time consuming, so events that are local provide accessible experiences for the people in those communities.”

Wentworth Shire Council would appreciate attendee feedback on the event to assist with the planning of future events of this kind. If you would like to have your say, see the feedback form below or visit www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wwd

Want to have your say on Wentworth Winedown?

Step 1 of 8

Wentworth Winedown

Ratings

1 Star you didn’t enjoy it at all & would not recommend it to others
2 Stars you didn’t enjoy it but might recommend it to others
3 Stars you enjoyed it, but it wasn’t your favorite
4 Stars you really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others
5 Stars you loved it and would definitely recommend it to others

Event Photography

NSW SES Flood Update 24 Feb 2023

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Flood update from NSW SES on 24 February 2023

Summary

BURTUNDY, POMONA, ELLERSLIE & GREAT DARLING ANABRANCH – MONITOR CONDITIONS

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to MONITOR CONDITIONS of the minor
flooding on the Darling River:

  • Burtundy and surrounds
  • Pomona
  • Ellerslie
  • Great Darling Anabranch

You should monitor conditions by checking warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and following the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises river levels have fallen at Burtundy below the major flood level, and minor flooding is occurring.

River levels along the Darling River are likely to remain elevated between Burtundy and Wentworth during February. This will impact surrounding communities with road closures and isolated rural properties likely.

Current and predicted flows in the Darling River are not likely to cause river level rises at Wentworth.

The Darling River at Burtundy fell below the major flood level Tuesday afternoon and is currently at 7.61 metres and falling slowly, with minor flooding.

The Darling River at Burtundy is likely to remain above the minor flood level (6.10 metres) through to the end of March.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:

  • Burtundy
  • Pomona
  • Ellerslie
  • Great Darling Anabranch
  • Local roads. causeways, culverts and bridges may be flooded
  • Some rural properties may become isolated by floodwaters.

Read the full press release below.

Burtundy-Pomona-Ellerslie-and-Great-Darling-Anabranch-NSW-SES-Flood-Advice-Monitor-conditions-24022023Download

POONCARIE AND SURROUNDS – MONITOR CONDITIONS

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to MONITOR CONDITIONS of the minor flooding on the Darling River:

  • Pooncarie and surrounds
  • Low lying areas along the Darling River near Pooncarie

You should monitor conditions by checking warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and following the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises minor flooding is occurring at Pooncarie, where river levels are likely to remain elevated into March.

The Darling River at Pooncarie is currently at 7.19 metres and falling, with minor flooding.

The Darling River at Pooncarie may remain above the minor flood level (6.80 metres) through to early March.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:

  • Low lying areas around Pooncarie along the Darling River
  • Access roads

Read the full press release below.

Pooncarie-and-surrounds-NSW-SES-Flood-Advice-Monitor-conditions-24022023Download

Aboriginal Community Information – Legal Aid NSW

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The Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities at Legal Aid NSW is returning to Dareton & Wentworth from Wednesday 1 March until Friday 3 March 2023.

Get free legal help with:

Family Law Service for Aboriginal Communities

  • seeing your kids
  • problems with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) (formerly DOCS or FACS)
  • getting your kids back
  • domestic and family violence
  • caring for kids within the family
  • child support
  • getting a divorce
  • sorting out property after separation, and
  • problems with school attendance

Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities

  • Stolen Generations compensation
  • Housing – rent, repairs and evictions
  • fines, debts and loans
  • Centrelink
  • NDIS
  • problems with funeral insurance
  • employment and Working with Children Check
  • discrimination
  • victims compensation
  • super and insurance
  • complaints about Government

These clinics are drop-in, clients do not need to make an appointment (but can do so if they would prefer).

P: (02) 9219 5057 or 1800 793 017.

Wednesday 1 March 2023

From 9.00am-12.00pm at Mallee Family Care, 11 Davenport St, Dareton

CLSAC-flyer-MFCDownload
FAMAC-Poster-MFCDownload

Wednesday 1 March 2023

From 1.00pm-4.00pm at Coomealla, 12 New Merinee Rd, Coomealla

CLSAC-flyer-CoomeallaDownload
FAMAC-Poster-CoomeallaDownload

Thursday 2 March 2023

From 10.00am-3.00pm at Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation, 51 Sturt Ave, Dareton

CLSAC-flyer-CHACDownload
FAMAC-Poster-CHACDownload

Friday 3 March 2022

From 9.00am-12.00pm at the Visitor Information Centre Memorial Room, Darling St, Wentworth.

CLSAC-flyer-WentworthDownload
FAMAC-Poster-WentworthDownload

Wentworth Winedown

/by

The picturesque Australian Inland Botanic Gardens Mildura-Wentworth hosted Wentworth Winedown on Saturday 25 February with raving reviews. Free attendance at the Wentworth Winedown was only made possible through the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program funded by the NSW Government.

The aim of this program was to promote the social and economic recovery of regional communities, by renewing social connections and providing a revenue-boost to local businesses, following the extended COVID-19 restrictions across regional NSW and impacts of border closures.

Wentworth Winedown provided great live entertainment from some of Australia’s top performers along with local food and wine vendors serving up a variety of gourmet options.

Local food and drink vendors served up a storm to over 3,000 attendees and included a range of options from Monak Wine Co, Trentham Estate Winery, Fossey’s Distillery, Cappa Stone Wines, Scad’s Cruisin Café, The Van, El Gringo’s Mexican Street Food, Peter’s Souvlakis, Outback Almonds, Verdict pop up catering, Two Black Sheep Cafe, Enjoy Catering Mildura, Grazing Into Brunch and the Lions Club of Buronga Gol Gol & Friends of the Gardens Committee.

Over 5 hours of live performances from Australian artists included Alice Ivy, Allday, Mallrat and the Mildura formed Loose Bricks (now performing on multiple interstate tours). In a Q&A with the artists, they were excited to be playing a regional concert for music fans and to connect the community in one venue. A member of Loose Bricks said “Rural communities often have to travel long distances to get to see live music which is expensive and often time consuming, so events that are local provide accessible experiences for the people in those communities.”

Wentworth Shire Council would appreciate attendee feedback on the event to assist with the planning of future events of this kind. If you would like to have your say, see the survey below or visit www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wwd

Thank you for your interest in providing feedback on Wentworth Winedown. We greatly appreciate your feedback.
Step 1 of 8

Wentworth Winedown

Ratings

1 Star you didn’t enjoy it at all & would not recommend it to others
2 Stars you didn’t enjoy it but might recommend it to others
3 Stars you enjoyed it, but it wasn’t your favorite
4 Stars you really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others
5 Stars you loved it and would definitely recommend it to others

Routes 950 & 951 – Saturday bus trial – Wentworth to Mildura

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The Saturday bus trial from Wentworth to Mildura (Routes 950 and 951) are in operation.

The trial started on 17th December and the service aims to provide easier access to Mildura CBD, Mildura Base Hospital, sporting grounds and Bunnings via a more direct route. Public holidays are excluded.

TIMETABLE

NSW SES Flood Update 22 Feb 2023

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Flood update from NSW SES at 1:51pm on 22 February 2023

Summary

POONCARIE AND SURROUNDS – MONITOR CONDITIONS

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to MONITOR CONDITIONS of the minor flooding on the Darling River:

  • Pooncarie and surrounds
  • Low lying areas along the Darling River near Pooncarie

You should monitor conditions by checking warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and following the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises minor flooding is occurring at Pooncarie, where river levels are likely to remain elevated into March.

The Darling River at Pooncarie is currently at 7.27 metres and falling, with minor flooding. The Darling River at Pooncarie may remain above the minor flood level (6.80 metres) until March.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:

  • Low lying areas around Pooncarie along the Darling River
  • Access roads

Read the full press release below.

Pooncarie-and-surrounds-NSW-SES-Flood-Advice-Monitor-conditions-220223Download

NSW SES Flood Update 20 Feb 2023

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Flood update from NSW SES at 2:00pm on 20 February 2023

Summary

POONCARIE AND SURROUNDS – MONITOR CONDITIONS

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to MONITOR CONDITIONS of the minor flooding on the Darling River:

  • Pooncarie and surrounds
  • Low lying areas along the Darling River near Pooncarie

You should monitor conditions by checking warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and following the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises minor flooding is occurring at Pooncarie, where river levels are likely to remain elevated into March.

The Darling River at Pooncarie is currently at 7.37 metres and falling, with minor flooding. The Darling River at Pooncarie may remain above the minor flood level (6.80 metres) until March.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:

  • Low lying areas around Pooncarie along the Darling River
  • Access roads

Read the full press release below.

Pooncarie-and-surrounds-NSW-SES-Flood-Advice-Monitor-conditions-200223Download

Blue-green algae Report

/by

WaterNSW has released a blue-green algae report for the Murray River, Darling River and Menindee Lakes.

Summary for Wentworth Shire:

RED ALERT

Darling River at Pooncarie, Burtundy & Ellerslie

Darling Anabranch at the Silver City Highway crossing

AMBER ALERT

Murray River at Curlwaa

Read the full blue-green algae report (17 February 2023):

Murray-Sunraysia-RACC-Combined-Report-17-February-2023Download

Alert Definitions for Recreational Waters

Alert Definitions as specified in The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water 2008. The use of these guidelines is endorsed by the Scientific Subcommittee of the NSW Algal Advisory Group.


RED ALERT
These alert levels represent ‘bloom’ conditions. Water will appear green or discoloured and clumps or scums could be visible. It can also give off a strong musty or organic odour. Algae may be toxic to humans and animals. Contact with or use of water from red alert areas should be avoided due to the risk of eye and skin irritation. Drinking untreated or boiled water from these supplies can cause stomach upsets. Alternative water supplies should be sought or activated carbon treatment employed to remove toxins. People should not fish when an algal scum is present. Owners should keep dogs away from high alert areas and provide alternative watering points for stock.


AMBER ALERT
Blue-green algae may be multiplying, and the water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. Generally suitable for water sports, however people are advised to exercise caution in these areas, as blue-green algal concentrations can rise to red alert levels quickly under warm, calm weather conditions.


GREEN ALERT
Blue-green algae occur naturally at low numbers. At these concentrations, algae would not normally be visible, however some species may affect taste and odour of water even at
low numbers and does not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use.