In February 2022, a shire worker drowned after entering a soak (body of water) on a rural property while pumping water to a water cart for road work maintenance. The worker had received training and was experienced in the task of pumping water from the soak to the water cart.
While performing the task, a funnel blew into the soak. The worker entered the water while fully clothed and wearing work boots to retrieve the funnel. When the worker did not return at the expected time and did not respond to calls, co-workers attended the soak and located the worker in the water.