The NSW State Emergency Services and Barrier Local  Area Command have announced that effective from Friday the 17th February, the Darling River is closed to all motorised craft between Texas Downs Station and Weir 32 at Menindee.

Exemptions do exist for residents who are affected by flooding and require the river to access their respective homes. They are proceed at a low speed so to not create a wake. This closer has been put in place to safeguard newly constructed levy banks to protect homes and livelihood.

At this point there are only 2 residents in Menindee who require this (this is likely to change over the coming weeks). Police, emergency services and state water are also exempt.

The NSW State Emergency Service continues supporting communities in the far west of the state to manage extensive rural flooding. Floodwaters moving down from Queensland and the upper Barwon River are impacting several major river systems and communities across the region are being urged to prepare for the effects.

Approximately 250 Goodooga residents remain isolated as they wait for the Birrie and Bokhara Rivers to recede. Both rivers peaked on Sunday 19 February 2012 slightly lower than expected, with the Birrie at 5.17m and the Bokhara at 4.28m. The NSW SES is working with the community to maintain supplies and protect lives and property.