Vandals hamper Wee Waa flood mitigation

Narrabri Shire Council staff conducting routine levee inspections early morning on Tuesday were disappointed to be confronted with vandalism of flood mitigation equipment.

The equipment had been prepared by council staff to protect the Wee Waa community from floodwater.

Vandals damaged and cut plastic tarp coverings that assist in waterproofing the rail gates of the levee, removed sandbags that were holding the tarps in place, split the lay-flat hoses that are attached to pumps and scattered sandbags.

The damage has been fixed by council staff and there is no risk to the community.

Council staff have been undertaking two routine levee inspections per day which are very thorough, taking approximately two-and-a-half hours to complete.

Narrabri Shire Council’s director planning, strategy and people, Andrew Brown expressed council’s frustration with the perpetrators and labelled the act of vandalism as inexcusable and reckless behaviour.

“Council is extremely disappointed in the few who have taken it upon themselves to undo the flood mitigation works that staff have put in place to protect the community,” Mr Brown said on Tuesday.

“Not only have they disregarded the seriousness of this situation, they have also failed their fellow community members by interfering with provisions that have been put in place to defend the town during this major flooding event.

“Staff have been quick to respond and while completing routine levee inspections this morning, they have restored the sandbags and plastic tarp and replaced the hoses attached to the pumps.

“The hoses that were damaged are connected to the pumps that are on standby should any seepage occur and are used to pump any water out that may get in.

“Thankfully these hoses were not required overnight.

“Our local Wee Waa Parks and Open Spaces and Roads crews are doing an exceptional job behind the scenes for the community of Wee Waa to ensure the levee is correctly and safely maintained.”

Anyone in the Wee Waa community who has any information regarding this vandalism is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.