The Manning River peaked at 9.5 metres at Wingham at 4pm Thursday after relentless rain during the week. Fortunately this fell far short of last year’s major flood seeing the Manning River peak at 12.2 metres in Wingham on June 16.

This week’s moderate flood saw the Manning River burst its banks inundating the Wingham Brush reserve and engulfing the Bight Bridge. The bottom end of Chrissy Gollan Park was also flooded from rising water in Cedar Party Creek.

Fifteen Wingham SES members were operational during the flood, monitoring river heights over the four day period. The team responded to the usual roof inundations and executed evacuation warnings for the Wingham peninsula. A doorknock occurred in the early hours of Thursday.

Unit controller, Gary Greene explained the Bureau of Meteorology found it difficult to forecast how much rain was expected in the catchment as the river continued to rise, so evacuations warnings were issued to residents in lowlying areas as a precaution.

“Wingham’s catchment area takes in more than 10 rivers and encompasses a big area to the west, making rainfall difficult to predict,” he said.

Wingham SES was also joined by Cowra swift water rescue team who took over for one shift to manage fatigue in the local team. South West Rocks SES team also assisted with operations.

Overall the SES was happy with the outcome and thanked the general community for keeping themselves safe.

There was only one report of a driver disobeying road closure signs at the Bight Bridge, making a very lucky escape when their car was inundated.

The SES also thanked the visiting SES teams as well as Wingham Fire and Rescue and Taree VRA for their assistance during the week.

Greater Taree City Council has advised the Bight Bridge on the Tinonee-Wingham Road at Wingham remains closed to all traffic until a post-flood safety inspection is undertaken. This inspection will take place when the river level recedes and the tops of the pier foundations are visible.