More NSW flooding in coming weeks

Large parts of NSW are preparing for more floods as another four areas join the list
of natural disaster zones, in the state's most expansive flooding in 30 years.
The central west town of Forbes remains on high alert, with the Lachlan River
expected to peak at 10.4 metres on Monday night.
An evacuation warning is in place for seven streets, with residents told to be
prepared to leave.
About 5000 people remain isolated statewide and are likely to remain so for up to
three weeks, State Emergency Services (SES) spokeswoman Erin Pogmore told AAP.
"These are mostly rural communities that are prepared for floods and we probably
won't hear from a lot of them until the floods recede," she said.
Dry weather gave many parts of the state some respite on Monday but more flooding is
expected over the coming weeks.
In the state's north, the towns of Wee Waa and Coonamble remain isolated, although
flood waters are receding.
Major flooding is expected at Warren on Monday afternoon, with the Macquarie River
due to peak at 9.7 metres.
As clean-up efforts continued across the state, the areas of Goulburn, Mulwaree,
Cowra, Coolamon and Tamworth were added to a list of natural disaster zones.
These areas have reported significant damage from flooding and heavy rainfall to
public infrastructure, including roads, drainage, causeways, sewerage and wastewater
treatment works, buildings and dams.
Announcing the new disaster zones, NSW Premier Keneally said the floods were "the
most widespread flooding event of this kind NSW has experienced in more than 30
years".
Ms Keneally and Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan were in Queanbeyan and Dubbo
to survey the damage.
"Whilst the rain has cleared, we are still concerned about a number of areas," Ms
Keneally said.
She said it was too early to put a dollar figure on the damage across the state but
assistance was available to councils, businesses and low-income families.
The NSW government has also written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard seeking
exceptional circumstance provisions for farmers.
Mr Whan said SES volunteers were continuing to work around the clock.
"Flood peaks are moving downstream keeping SES (volunteers) busy for at least
another two weeks, if not more, depending on the rain," he told reporters at the SES
Queanbeyan headquarters.
"We are very grateful for the efforts of the SES volunteers who will willingly do
this right across their Christmas break."
SES Commissioner Murray Kear said the current dry weather was a welcome respite for
flood-hit communities.
"But this does look like it's going to be a very wet summer, and so it won't be the
last time SES volunteers respond to community needs," he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the flooding could continue for some weeks as
the floodwaters move downstream.
Areas around the Darling River, including Bourke and Louth, are at risk of flooding
in January, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Shandra Wanig said.
The SES has received 2800 requests for help since the start of the flood crisis and
there have been 135 flood-related rescues.