Flood watch continues in parts of NSW

Flood watches are in place for seven northwestern NSW rivers and more rain is likely
across much of the state.
Yet experts say the drought hasn't broken.
Farmers in central western NSW, gripped by severe drought for the best part of a
decade, have been celebrating several days of rain, boosting the Castlereagh River
to peak at 4.6 metres at Coonamble on Tuesday.
However, more falls will be needed before local farmers can confidently bid farewell
to drought conditions.
"Even if the drought was to finish today, it's going to take a few years to come out
of it," Coonamble Shire Mayor Tim Horan said.
"It's definitely not drought-breaking, we need a lot of follow-up rain."
On Tuesday, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally toured Coonamble and Dubbo, situated on
the swollen Macquarie River, pledging to fix any damage from minor flooding along
the Castlereagh.
"Should it qualify for natural disaster relief funding we will make that happen as
quickly as possible," she told reporters.
"We are hearing reports of farmers who have had fences damaged and other equipment
damaged, we are hearing reports of local roads that have suffered damage."
The rains have made dirt roads across large swathes of the state's west impassable
but all highways and major roads remain open.
Local media reported that a section of train line between Dubbo and Gilgandra had
also been washed away.
Ms Keneally said the State Emergency Service (SES) had done a terrific job in
preparing for the flooding.
State Emergency Service (SES) spokeswoman Erin Pogmore said while Coonamble
residents were fine, outlying properties would take the brunt of the floodwaters.
"We are expecting isolation downstream of the town," she said, adding property
owners still had time to prepare.
They were also urged to monitor the movement of stock as the waters rise.
In northwest NSW, a flood watch applies for the Macleay, Hastings, Bellinger,
Richmond, Wilsons, Macintyre and Namoi/Peel Rivers.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology's Elly Spark, rain is likely to continue in
NSW, with the outback towns of Bourke, Walgett and Moree tipped to receive moderate
to heavy falls.
It was fine and sunny in Dubbo and Parkes on Tuesday but scattered showers are
forecast for Dubbo on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
NSW Farmers Association president Charles Armstrong welcomed the heavy rain.
"Some areas may have got a little bit more than they wanted but generally it has
helped in terms of sub-soil moisture," he said.
"Most of the summer crops would only have already been planted in areas with
irrigation or sub-soil moisture so this (rain) is a great start for pasture growth
and a great start for 2010, but whether the drought will be broken depends on
further such falls in the future."