The Wagga Beach Precinct was used to simulate a large-scale flood rescue operation designed to strengthen NSW SES Southern Zone teams and partner agencies flood rescue readiness ahead of future weather events.
Exercise Noah tested emergency services in critical decision making and flood rescue capabilities to ensure communities remain safe during complex flood events.
More than 50 personnel from multiple emergency services took part in several live flood rescue scenarios along the Murrumbidgee River, replicating realistic riverine flooding conditions and requiring a mix of in-water, on-water and land-based capabilities.
Crews worked through downstream rescues, in-water safety, casualty handling and recovery, first aid scenarios, and risk assessments.
NSW SES Flood Rescue and Operations Coordinator, Craig Ferns, said Exercise Noah reinforced the need for coordinated preparedness across all emergency services.
“Wagga Wagga sits on the Murrumbidgee River floodplain and has a long history of flooding with more than 4400 properties in the area at r
isk of flooding. Exercise Noah will ensure our teams and partner agencies are ready to respond quickly, safely, and effectively when floods occur,” Chief Inspector Ferns said.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Ben Pickup said NSW SES volunteers are often supported by emergency service partners, and training alongside other agencies strengthens interoperability.
“Building our knowledge of different locations enhances our skills and better prepares us for future operations,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Pickup said.
“We also deployed mobile communications equipment and command centre to exercise full incident management functions and really simulate a realistic operational response.”
Participating NSW SES parter agencies included the NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, Maritime NSW, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW. A contingent of colleagues from the Victorian State Emergency Service also attended as observers, supporting the coordination of cross-border and other local emergency management partners.
For more information visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au
