Firefighters conduct floodwater roundup to rescue stranded cattle | Gunnedah
Published: 06 Aug 2025 11:20am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in-water experts have turned floodwater cattle wranglers, guiding stranded livestock through the swollen Namoi River to safety at Gunnedah, in the state’s north-west slopes.
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 NSW at the weekend, were called into action at 9am on Monday.
On the scene just three minutes later, the 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, the firefighters carefully nudged the cattle, encouraging the herd to start moving.
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,” Leading Firefighter King said.
When the cattle started swimming towards deep water, the firefighters enacted ‘plan B, cutting 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.
Media note – FRNSW footage of the cattle recovery and other animal rescue operations is available here: https://vimeo.com/1107322469/0686907673?ts=0&share=copy
Updated: 06 Mar 2026 6:29pm