The town of Forbes in the NSW central west is bracing for floodwaters to reach levels not seen since 2016.

About 800 people are on stand-by to evacuate as the Lachlan River climbs.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller told Ben Fordham she has a message for those opposing the raising of the Wyangala Dam.

“They need to come and have a look at this flood and the damage it’s going to do.

“If that dam wall was up we would not be having this conversation today.”

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