FIRE and Rescue NSW in-water experts have turned floodwater cattle wranglers, guiding stranded livestock through the swollen Namoi River to safety at Gunnedah.
The FRNSW swift-water teams, Alpha One and Alpha Two, supporting the State Emergency Service-led flood response following the low-pressure weather systems that struck New South Wales, were called into action last week.
Firefighters found the 16 cows and a bull huddled together on a small patch of dry land, surrounded by water after the river broke its banks.
The water quickly rose to swallow the makeshift island, leaving the cattle unable to swim to shore and in danger of drowning.
On board two inflatable, motorised rescue boats and an Arkangel raft, firefighters carefully nudged the cattle, encouraging the herd to start moving.
Fire and Rescue NSW rescue a mob of cattle from floodwaters at Gunnedah last week.
One of the team, Leading Firefighter Simon King, a former cattle farm worker, knew time was of the essence.
“Once the water gets under their bellies, cattle will just stand there because they feel isolated,” Mr King said.
When the cattle started swimming towards deep water, the firefighters cut off their path with one of the flood boats and, with advice from local SES personnel, guiding them towards the nearby riverbank.
The operation has been one of many by the FRNSW crews who, aside from protecting residents, have rescued stranded sheep, dogs and even a turtle during the flood emergency.
