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.

Unlike last years floods the river is still open to non powered craft and swimming is still permitted. This closure will be reviewed on the 2nd March