That is the message from the State Emergency Service and other authorities as the Edward River and other water courses continue to fall.
While paired with more amenable weather and the re-opening of some rivers to watercraft (see page 5), the SES says receding floodwaters still pose a significant danger.
Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said with a break in widespread rainfall for flooded catchments west of the Great Dividing Range over coming days, warnings are expected to be downgraded where it is safe to do so.
However with the start of summer, and cod season, she urges people to continue to make “safe decisions”.
“Major flooding is still occurring along the Barwon, Darling, Murray, Edward, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Bogan rivers,” she said.
“Although the sun might be shining and some river heights decreasing, floodwater may be deeper or flowing faster than it appears.
“Flooded rivers may also contain hidden debris, snakes, spiders, chemicals and sewage.
“Roads underneath floodwater often wash away, and may not be visible from the surface, so we urge drivers to stay away and ensure children never play in floodwater.”
At the time of going to print yesterday the Edward River at Deniliquin was 7.84m and dropping about 15cm a day.
This flood surge reached a peak of 9.18m on November 22.
The Billabong Creek, on the Murrumbidgee system, is also dropping.
At Conargo it is falling about 2cm a day, to be 4.24m yesterday.
After reaching its peak of 4.96m Tuesday last week, the Billabong at Wanganella was yesterday 4.67m. Falls of about 5cm a day have been recorded since the weekend.
‘Avoid the area’ warnings have been issued for both Picnic Point at Mathoura and the Murray Valley Regional Park between Deniliquin and Moama.
At Picnic Point, the SES advises slowly receding flood waters are continuing to impact areas.
Poverty Point and Mathoura East may also still be impacted, and the SES warns “this event may change quickly”.
In the Murray Valley Regional Park and surrounds, the SES says there may be damaged infrastructure and dangerous hazards within the area.
In both cases, it suggest you “monitor the situation and avoid the area until further advised”.
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