Floods and fires ravage Australia

THE NSW government has declared five natural disaster zones in the state’s north after days of severe flooding.

Emergency Services Minister Mike Gallacher declared the zones for the Bellingen, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley local government areas on Monday evening.

The announcement unlocks government funding to help pay for repairs.

“This weather system has caused a lot of damage to critical infrastructure, property and road networks,” Mr Gallacher said in a statement.

The government would monitor other flood-affected areas and declare further natural disaster zones if necessary, he said.

Around 1500 people remain isolated by the floods, which began on 24 January.

“About 1250 are on the mid-north coast and north coast of NSW,” State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman Phil Campbell told AAP.

He said most should have access restored by Tuesday.

The 250 residents of Goodooga, north of Bourke, are expected to be isolated for two more days.

The state opposition criticised the government for not declaring natural disaster zones sooner.

“A timely declaration of a natural disaster is vital in allowing local councils to assess damage, clean up debris and fix roads and other infrastructure,” opposition primary industries spokesman Steve Whan said.

Although there have been no flood rescues in the past 24 hours, helicopters, flood boat crews and volunteers remain on high alert in flood affected regions.

“There’s a long list of new river systems affected by potential flooding in the coming days,” Mr Campbell said.

“The biggest concern for us coming in late tomorrow and Thursday will be the Macleay River, where there is the potential for moderate to major flooding.

“There’s also the potential for major flooding around the Orara River behind Coffs Harbour, affecting several rural properties.

“Things could ramp again from late tomorrow.”

The Pacific Highway has now reopened at Grafton after heavy rain and localised flooding closed it late last week.

Meanwhile firefighters are maintaining containment lines as a bushfire rages north of Perth but fear that if it breaks through homes will be lost.

The fire continues to blaze north of Cook Road and south of Hay Flat Road near Mooliabeenee, in the Shire of Chittering.

About 100 firefighters, assisted by two fixed wing aircraft dropping retardant on the flames and the construction of a mineral earth break, have saved around 30 homes.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says the flames are burning towards the Wannamal townsite.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” it said. - AAP