Flood chaos. An aerial shot showing the inundation of floodwaters in Corowa, consuming John Foord Oval, Ball Park Caravan Park and surrounding areas. The Murray River is currently sitting at around 7.5metres where it is likely to remain for the remainder of the week. Photographer and local emergency rescue worker Jon Lerpiniere captured the incredible pictures from the air last Friday.
Moderate flooding has continued in Corowa this week following massive spills from Hume Dam, with parts of South Corowa, the Ball Park precinct and Rowers Park all inundated by water.
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The warnings came in thick and fast mid last week, after the Murray–Darling Basin Authority increased the release of water from Hume Dam to 75 GL per day in response to inflows that peaked at 100 GL a day.
Caravan Parks in Corowa and residents along River Street actively prepared for the worst, sandbagging and moving items to higher ground, as the water began inundating properties.
By Thursday, the Corowa Rowing Club, Girl Guides Hall, Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club and other surrounding clubs had sandbagged their club buildings and moved all sporting equipment to higher ground.
Volunteers at John Foord Oval making sandbags last week.
Federation Council’s services also swiftly relocated to the Oddfellows Hall at the top of Sanger Street, as roads to the precinct area became cut off by water.
On Friday, NSW SES had advised local residents to brace for a possible peak of 7.8 metres with the Murray River rising around 2cm an hour.
Much to everyone’s relief, the Murray River peaked just below 7.6 metres on Saturday.
River Street resident Moira Russell standing on her back patio with the yard inundated by water.
River Street homeowner Moira Russell watched the water encroach her back yard on Thursday. By Friday, the water was lapping under the house.
“We are just a bit worried about the grass and gardens under the water, and everything drying out,” she told the Free Press.
“The riverbank has been burst since early September with a lot of water lying around since then.
“The last time we saw the water this high was 2016 where the water was probably a foot higher. Back then, the water, disappeared after a few days. This time I think it will stick around for a bit, possibly until Christmas.
“For the time being, we just have to wait for the water to recede. There’s not much we can do but enjoy our waterfront properties.
“Everything under the water will probably die, but that’s the only thing really worrying at the moment.”
Corowa Rescue Squad and Rutherglen SES volunteers spent late last week driving around to different properties along the Murray River, ensuring everyone was adequately prepared with sandbagging.
Corowa Rescue Squad’s Deputy Captain Jim Walliss told the Free Press most people had been proactive with warnings in place for some weeks.
“On Friday we put additional sandbags at the Murray Bank units, and at a house on Bridge Road,” Mr Walliss said.
“The river peaked at 7.54 metres on Saturday and has dropped slightly since then.
“We haven’t had too many hassles over the last few days. We did have a houseboat come adrift, and its upside down on the Victorian Bank.
“The water will be here to stay for a little while longer. The river operators will want to create more airspace, with the fine weather we are having.”
Over the weekend, a rescue operation involving a wombat took place following a callout from a Shane Fletcher on Facebook. Mr Fletcher was visiting the region when he noticed the marsupial clinging to a branch surrounded by floodwaters. His call out on social media saw a quick response from community members.
A 3.5 hour rescue mission involving a local with a tinnie, helped bring “Dennis the Menace” to dry ground, with the wombat humourously reminded to stay dry.
‘Dennis the Menace’ found himself in a spot of trouble when flood waters rose rapidly over the weekend. The wombat was spotted by a local visitor who put a call out for help. 3.5 hours and a tinnie ride later, the marsupial was back on dry land.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke encouraged residents to continue to stay informed as the NSW SES emergency warning status was still 'watch and act' for the Federation Region.
“Council will continue to work with the SES as the lead agency in this emergency event, to monitor and respond to flood impacts,” he said.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our residents and local businesses that have once again in the face of adversity come together to support each other. Thank you all for your continued assistance as we work through these challenging weather conditions and please look after yourself and one another.”
Corowa Rescue Squad Deputy Captain Jim Walliss pictured providing an update for Member for Albury Justin Clancy and Federation Council’s Rowena Black on Thursday last week.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy also praised Corowa residents and emergency service works while visiting Corowa last Thursday.
“It’s great to see the community being so proactive and taking steps to protect their homes and businesses during these challenging times,” he said.
“A big thank you to the SES, VRA, police and all emergency services.”
At the time of going to print on Tuesday, the Murray River at Corowa had dropped back to 7.48 metres.
Water authorities have warned however that with further rainfall expected, there may be further river level rises. The river is likely to remain around 7.60 metres until the end of the week with moderate flooding.
Corowa’s newest splash park? Bangarang Park inundated since Thursday morning.
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An inaccessible house in South Corowa.
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A wombat is rescued after being stranded in flood waters over the weekend.
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Zoe and Jai Richey paddling around Bangerang Park on the weekend.
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A mammoth effort by volunteers at the Corowa Rowing Club who worked hard last Thursday to remove all the gym equipment from the building to people’s homes.
