The NSW Government determined that there had been enough damage

to infrastructure to warrant the declaration yesterday.

The declaration means those affected will be eligible for extra assistance.

Cadgee cattle farmer Catherine Wheeler, who at the time of writing was still isolated by the floodwaters, said it was about time the flooding on the Tuross River received recognition.

“All you hear about is the Moruya River, but nothing about the Tuross River Valley, even though it is much worse,” she said.

“We weren’t getting the warnings that the Moruya and Bega Rivers were getting. My family has had this property since 1946 and I have never seen floodwaters this high.”

Moruya State Emergency Service unit controller Alan Mitchell said he and his unit were aware of the Tuross River flooding.

“The Tuross River got quite deep and we expected this, but no one was in real danger,” he said.

“We still have communities that are isolated as the roads are not safe to travel, and if anybody urgently needs supplies they can contact us on 132 500 and we will supply them.”

Mr Mitchell said the Tuross River residents deserved credit for playing it safe as the waters rose.

“We didn’t have to activate flood rescue teams because people were sensible and didn’t take any chances,” he said.

The Moruya unit’s main job earlier in the week was to monitor the Moruya River, and be prepared to help Moruya residents.

“If the Moruya River had peaked at the expected 2.2 metres, five streets in Moruya would have gone under,” he said.

“Fortunately it only peaked at 1.75 metres.”

The Moruya SES is currently in the Bega Valley assisting people in the flood-affected areas.