22 Nov 2022

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter is now visiting the state's flood-impacted Central West, offering his support to emergency teams.

The tour began with Commissioner Baxter calling into the incident 'base camp' in Parkes, where he met with FRNSW strike teams and Kiwi and Singaporean support crews.

Ongoing response and recovery efforts

The contingent has been deploying to affected towns to support ongoing response and recovery efforts

Over the past few days, the contingent has been deploying to affected towns to support ongoing response and recovery efforts.

The international personnel, who specialize in in-water rescues and evacuations, have also been training around nearby waterways to familiarize themselves with local conditions. 

In Forbes and Eugowra, Commissioner Baxter witnessed first-hand the major clean-up operations that are underway.

FRNSW's mobile satellite communications

FRNSW's ‘Cell on Wheels’ mobile satellite communications hub continues to provide telephone and internet access for Eugowra residents, while repairs to infrastructure can be carried out by the main telecommunications carriers.

In-water teams are currently pre-positioned in Condobolin and Nyngan, which, according to forecasts, could be the next towns inundated by floodwaters.

FRNSW rapid damage assessment

FRNSW rapid damage assessment and wash-out teams continue to support recovery activities in Forbes.

They're being backed up by the agency's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) capabilities.