Blue-green algae Report – 17 March 2023

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

Murray River at Lock 9 & Fort Courage

Darling River at the Great Darling Anabranch – Silver City Highway crossing

AMBER ALERT

Murray River at Buronga & Curlwaa

Darling River at Tolarno, Pooncarie, Burtundy, Ellerslie and Tapio.

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


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.

RAW WATER UPDATE – POONCARIE TOWNSHIP

RAW WATER UPDATE – POONCARIE TOWNSHIP

Wentworth Shire Council wish to advise residents of Pooncarie township of raw water pumping issues which will affect the pressure and volumes for the coming weeks. Council Water teams are working hard to rectify this issue and will advise when raw water services return to normal.

2023 NSW State Election – Early Voting

Early voting centres are open from the Saturday before election day and ends the Friday before election day. If you are eligible to vote early or pre-poll, you can visit an early voting centre or pre-poll venue in your electorate, ward or council area and cast your vote.

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁:

🏤 Wentworth Town Hall – 24 Adelaide Street, Wentworth NSW 2648

You can vote early at Wentworth Town Hall during the below dates and times.

Saturday 18 MarchSunday 19 MarchMonday 20 MarchTuesday 21 MarchWednesday 22 MarchThursday 23 MarchFriday 24 March
9:00am – 6:00pmCLOSED8:30am – 5:30pm8:30am – 5:30pm8:30am – 5:30pm8:30am – 8:00pm8:30am – 6:30pm

For further information on early voting and pre-polling in person, visit

Postal Services Modernisation

The Australian Government is currently undertaking public consultation on the modernisation of postal services. Australia Post welcomes this move, which acknowledges the structural and financial challenges faced in meeting the needs and expectations of Australians today and into the future.

As technology has advanced, how individuals, charities, businesses and governments use postal services has changed. Your input will help to modernise postal and related services so that Australia Post remains a critical part of our national infrastructure, and delivers the services all Australians need and can rely on.

To make a submission or to view the Discussion Paper, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/postal-services-modernisation

FREE COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS FOR WENTWORTH SHIRE RESIDENTS

Wentworth Shire Council in conjunction with NSW Health, continues to support the community from the widespread COVID-19 disease with the delivery of 10,000 test kits to the Wentworth Shire this week.

To collect your FREE 5pk test kit, visit one of the following locations:

Wentworth Shire Council Main Office

26-28 Adelaide Street, Wentworth NSW 2648

Midway Service Centre

6 Midway Drive, Buronga NSW 2739

Port Pitstop Café

21-27 Tarcoola Street, Pooncarie NSW 2648

Wentworth Library

23 Murray Street, Wentworth NSW 2648

Dareton Library

30 Millie Street, Dareton NSW 2717

Note: Limit of 1 x 5pk of test kits applies per person.

Blue-green algae Report

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

Murray River at Lock 9 (Lower Murray Water)

Darling River at Pooncarie as well as the Great Darling Anabranch at the Silver City Highway crossing

AMBER ALERT

Murray River at Curlwaa

Darling River at Tolarno, Burtundy, Ellerslie and Tapio.

Read the full blue-green algae report (9 March 2023):


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.

2023 NEW SOUTH WALES SOUTHERN SERIES


2023 NEW SOUTH WALES SOUTHERN SERIES

📅 Saturday 1 April 2023

🛴 Scoot: 11:00am | 🚴‍♂️ BMX: 12:30pm | 🛹 Skate: 1:30pm

Wentworth Area Skate Park

Beverley Street, Wentworth

Free entry, all ages and abilities welcome

Register on the day or at www.skateparkleagues.com/enrol

Service NSW Mobile Service Centre bus coming to Buronga

The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre will be available in Buronga on Thursday 30 March between 10:00am and 3:00pm

🚌 Midway Community Centre, Midway Drive, Buronga

Access frequently used services including:

  • driver licenses, proof of identity documents and Photo Card applications
  • Driver Knowledge Tests
  • Working With Children Checks
  • NDIS Worker Check
  • birth, death and marriage certificates
  • up to 70 government rebates and savings
  • Stay NSW and Parents NSW voucher applications

Visit servicensw.gov.au or call 13 77 88 to check the schedule.
Unfortunately, sometimes the route can change at short notice.

2026 Census topic consultation phase one

What information does your community need to inform important decisions?

The next Census will take place in 2026. Prior to each Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics consults on what could be collected on the Census.

Phase one of the public consultation is open until 28 April 2023.

Learn more at https://www.abs.gov.au/census/2026-census-topic-consultation


NSW SES Flood Update 2 March 2023

Flood update from NSW SES at 2:13pm on 2 March 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 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 Burtundy is currently at 7.01 metres and falling, with minor flooding.
The Darling River at Burtundy is likely to remain above the minor flood level (6.10 metres) through to mid 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.