NSW Floods Maclean: Levee wall on the brink of collapse: residents told to evacuate

Authorities are scrambling to dump loads of dirt and gravel to contain a levee wall at risk of failure, which would ‘cause large scale inundation’ throughout a NSW township if it fails. 

The SES have announced an emergency evacuation order for Maclean residents as concerns for the town levee mount.

Maclean residents have been warned by the SES the levee may wall may “fail”.

If the wall is “compromised”, built-up flood water from the Clarence River will enter the town and could cause “inundation”.

NSW SES are currently offloading truckloads of dirt and gravel at the site of the levee wall to contain the potential burst.

SES in Maclean are preparing for the potential of the water breaking through the levee wall. Photo: Stephen Ward

NSW SES told residents to “act now and be prepared”.

Maclean residents will be sent an evacuation alert via mobile phone as the town does not have an alarm.

Ulmarra SES Unit Manager Sue Chappell said it was particularly important to ensure the elderly, disabled and sick relatives in the lower laying parts of Maclean are evacuated as soon as possible.

Locals of Maclean help sandbag the levee wall to prevent flood waters inundating the Main Street of the town along the Clarence River. Picture: Toby Zerna

Residents have been warned to “prepare yourselves, animals, livestock and property”.

An evacuation centre is open in Maclean Showground.

Maclean aged care providers have moved swiftly to put emergency plans into action.

Mareeba Aged Care Maclean have moved all residents and staff to the second floor of the two storey building.

“This is per our safety contingency plan and is well above the flood zone,” said a Mareeba spokesperson.

All essential items such as clothing and medication were moved upstairs along with residents and staff.

“We have enough food, water and essentials stored ready to access if needed.

“Staff will be with your loved ones at all times.”

The levee wall along the Clarence River at Maclean has managed to keep most of the flood waters out of the town, although some areas are being repaired. Picture: Toby Zerna

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Clarence River at Maclean is currently at 3.02 metres and falling.

The river is predicted to fall below the major flood level (2.50 m) during Friday.

The affected streets are:

Argyle Street

Bakers Lane

Bank Lane

Basin Street

Cameron Street

Centenary Drive

Central Avenue

Church Street

Clyde Street

Diamond Street

Dunoon Crescent

Dwartes Lane

Emerald Street

Houghs Lane

Howard Street

Iona Close

John Street

Jubilee Street

McLachlan Street

McNaughton Place

Morven Street

Rannoch Avenue

River Street

Rush Lane

Sapphire Close

Stanley Close

Taloumbi Street

Union Street