It would be fair to say that in the first two decades of this century the occurrence of major flooding has not been in the forefront of the minds of most members of the Narrabri district but some parts of the Namoi River system have experienced periods of flood disruption.

Rather, the main focus of concerns about the climate and the environment in this area has tended to be more on the question of a lack of rain, rather than an overabundance of rain. In more recent years the dangers and costs imposed by moderate or serious flooding in NSW and the eastern states in general have become more apparent as evidence mounts that the consequences of global climate change include serious economic and social harm.

It is very clear now that our society and our governments at all levels must assume that the decades ahead may bring more – not less – adverse climate-related consequences.

Widespread NSW flooding has seen staff and students use innovative transport solutions to get to school. Linda Doherty and Kerrie O’Connor report.

When Kate Slack-Smith, relieving principal of remote Burren Junction Public School, got stranded by floodwaters, a local farmer and former student came to the rescue to fly her home in his six-seater aircraft.

Mrs Slack-Smith touched down on a farm airstrip to lead her school of 35 students, most of whom have kept attending - rain, hail or shine despite the tiny town, 50 kilometres west of Wee Waa, being surrounded by floods.

Teachers have been hitching a ride on the Wee Waa SES boat to cross the Namoi River and reach the school bus. For farm kids, gum boots have been at the ready to wade through paddocks or into town. Four-wheel-drive buggies are the only way for many farming families to get to school.

Newborn baby Lane Booby has had an exciting start to life, taking a chopper ride home to Wee Waa from Narrabri hospital due to the floods.

“Lane was born in the afternoon on Friday, October 21 in Narrabri, Cody and the girls had quick cuddles after he was born then had to head straight home, they’ve been cut off at home from the flood since then,” said Lane’s mum Ainsley Caufield.

“We are very smitten,” added the popular ambulance officer about her baby Lane.