More wild weather on the way as a natural disaster is declared for parts of the Riverina

With heavy rain predicted, the SES is warning Riverina residents to be alert. Photo: Murrumbidgee NSW SES.

A severe weather warning has been issued for heavy rainfall across parts of central NSW, including the Riverina.

The SES predicts renewed flooding for several inland catchments with a low-pressure system bringing rain from Wednesday (21 September).

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of heavy rainfall and flash flooding in some areas with falls of 60 to 70 mm possible.

Locations that may be affected include Parkes, Condobolin, Young, West Wyalong, Cootamundra and Junee and minor flooding is anticipated for the Murrumbidgee River to Wagga Wagga.

Many inland catchments are currently wet or saturated from recent rainfall and dams remain near or at capacity.

Flood Warnings and a Flood Watch are current for various catchments across New South Wales.

A state of natural disaster has been declared for the Bland, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hilltops, Junee, Narrandera, Temora and Weddin LGAs in the wake of last month’s flooding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it will unlock funding and support for councils and residents.

“This means assistance is available to people whose homes or essential household items have been destroyed or damaged and for business owners and primary producers who have suffered direct damage,” Ms Cooke said.

It’s also good news for those contending with the numerous potholes across the region as councils struggle to stay on top of the damage.

“Assistance is also available to the local councils to restore essential public assets like local roads,” said Ms Cooke.

The money is available through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and can cover people whose homes or belongings have been damaged, clean up and damage repair for local councils, support for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations and freight subsidies for primary producers.

“I am urging any local homeowner, business owner or primary producer that suffered direct damage to apply for the funding and support which is now on offer,” said Ms Cooke.

Information on assistance can be accessed here and to keep across the latest weather warnings visit the BoM website.