Developing: East Coast flood crisis

October 11

New South Wales is yet again facing flood and evacuation warnings, with prolonged flooding  continuing in inland, western and southern parts of the state. 

New South Wales SES has released 105 Flood Warnings across the state: 

• Five emergency warnings 
• 44 watch and act 
• 56 advice warnings 

Oura Beach Camping Area and Western Pains Tourist Park have been deemed the highest risk areas, as of 11 October, with the areas inundated with flooding and citizens  asked to evacuate. 

SES evacuation centres are currently operating in North Richmond (North Richmond Community centre, 33 William Street) and Castle Hill (Castle Hill RSL Club, 77 Castle Street).

Locals are urged to   visit the SES website and follow SES on twitter for regular updates. 

Forbes Shire Council has urged members of the following communities to monitor the situation and prepare to be isolated by floodwater: 

• Flowerdale 
• North Wagga Wagga 
• East Forbes 
• Upper Colo 
• Colo Height
• Central Colo
• Whatleys Creek
• Gospers Creek

Dubbo Regional Council’s Macquarie River peaked at 8.63m on Sunday 9 October, with a slow drop over Monday. The river is expected to sit at the minor flood level of 5.50m with dam releases for a few days. 

Warren has experienced renewed major flooding, while Wellington, Dubbo and Narromine have seen moderate flooding. 

There are currently 33 warnings for areas within the Hawkesbury City Council region, including five are under watch and act, with the remaining areas categorised under advice

July 28

Hunter Valley mayors call for increased disaster support

Local governments in New South Wale’s Hunter Valley have called for an expansion of disaster support funding, with nine out of the region’s ten councils declared as Disaster Zones.

The Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO) includes all ten local government bodies from the Hunter region, including: Singleton Council, Cessnock City Council, Dungog Shire Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, Maitland City Council, MidCoast Council, City of Newcastle, Muswellbrook Shire Council, Port Stephens Council, and the Upper Hunter Shire Council.

In a joint statement, the elected mayors of these councils called for more support as a response to years of consecutive disasters; which culminated in an extreme flood event earlier this year.

“We acknowledge the recently announced $1 million grants for disaster declared LGAs. We welcome and are grateful for every additional dollar,” HJO said in a statement.

“In comparison with past disasters, we have seen an improved and more timely response, but this needs to be put into the context of this being a region that has faced many large-scale natural disasters but has continuously been underfunded.

“We are still recovering from previous floods, coastal erosion, droughts, and bushfires and as a region, and a state, we are currently ill-equipped to get ahead.

“We are calling on both the State and Federal Government to provide more assistance to our region to address the urgent infrastructure repairs needed in the disaster declared Councils in the Greater Newcastle and Hunter region, in response to these floods and coastal erosion beyond the grants that are already provided.”

July 11

More councils qualify for NSW flood relief amid clean-up 

Disaster assistance is now available in 37 Local Government Areas(LGAs), as clean up efforts begin in earnest and locals return to flood-ravaged homes.

The City of Newcastle is one of eight additional LGAs to be included in the list of declared disaster zones, with its residents now eligible for government-funded disaster relief payments beginning Wednesday, June 27.

Assistance has also been extended to Muswellbrook and Port Stephens as well as Cumberland, Mid Coast, Nambucca, Randwick and Warren.

Of the 2,285 New South Wales homes and businesses assessed so far, 239 have been deemed inhabitable and a further 973 require repairs.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, welcomed the news, and said it would provide much-needed funding and support to local residents affected by the recent storms.

“Like many areas across the state, Newcastle has been widely impacted by the recent severe weather event,” Mayor Nelmes said.

“Today’s announcement to add Newcastle to the list of disaster-declared LGAs is much appreciated as it will enable affected communities and individuals to access the range of special assistance measures needed to help them recover from the latest weather event” 

Recently appointed state recovery coordinators Dean Betts and Mel Gore have begun leading clean-up efforts.

SES Evacuation Centres are currently operating in Castle Hill (77 Castle Street, Castle Hill) and Long Jetty (315 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty), and an additional large animal relocation service, located at the Castle Hill Showground, is also available.

July 8

Central Coast Council monitors record breaking dam levels. View full story here.

July 5

Disaster assistance available to 23 councils amid more extreme weather 

Disaster assistance is now available to support 23 flood-impacted communities, as flooding across several areas of Sydney and the New South Wales coast continues. 

The financial assistance is for local government areas (LGAs) affected by the severe storms and flooding from 27 June 2022, which has the LGA’s working on flood operations and instructing on a large number of evacuations. 

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The LGAs included are: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.

Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged road and essential public assets
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisation
• Freight subsidies for primary producers

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the flooding has led to a large number of evacuations throughout Metropolitan Sydney, the Hawkesbury and the Central Coast, with major flood operations still ongoing.

“We have seen some of these impacted communities being hit by floods for a third and fourth time in 18 months, which is extremely distressing to the residents of these communities,” Mr Watt said.

“The Australian and New South Wales governments have worked cooperatively through this latest flood emergency, to ensure defence and other resources were deployed early and fast.

“Similarly, we’re now working hard together to make sure that impacted communities get financial and other assistance they need as soon as possible.” 

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said significant recovery support would be required to help support communities once the major weather event passes.

“Today’s announcement will ensure immediate assistance is available to impacted communities, including assistance for people who have lost or had damage to their homes,” Ms Cooke said.

“While we are still very much in the emergency response phase of this developing weather event, as waters recede we will work with communities to assess longer term recovery needs and ensure appropriate long-term support is provided.”

July 4

Further flooding warnings announced in several areas of NSW

As life-threatening flooding continues to ravage New South Wales’ Illawarra, Western Sydney and Hawkesbury-Nepean areas, 41 evacuation orders and 44 evacuation warnings have been issued to the affected communities with further requests to stop any unnecessary travelling.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has forecast flooding, damaging winds and large surf, with widespread rain expected to lighten by Monday 4 July evening.

Despite the lessening of heavy rain, the BoM reminded residents that the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides. The BoM urged vigilance and a monitoring of conditions as landscapes may have changed following bushfires.

For some regions the flood warnings come for the fourth time in 18 months.

SES members have responded to around 3111 requests for assistance since the start of the event, with 137 rescues taking place.

SES Assistant Commissioner, Dean Storey, said those in flood-prone areas should avoid unnecessary travel.

“In many areas it is still an evolving flood situation, and we may see more rain than what was originally forecast,” Mr Storey said.

Mr Storey continued to remind the communities to have supplies organised and be ready to evacuate if neccessary.

The New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, Steph Cooke, said on 2GB that the communities in flood-prone areas could become lax from the constant flood risks, but that it was not the time to be complacent.

Council will continue to update this story as updates occur. 

May 19

Ipswich begins recovery after second flood 

Damage assessment and quick recovery actions have begun in the City of Ipswich following more flooding in May.

Local Disaster Management Group Chair, City of Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding, said important fixes such as the Lobb Street Bridge at One Mile were started by Council as a priority once floodwaters began to recede.

“A lot of our road network has been damaged from the flood and ongoing rain, and Council is working hard on repairs and potholes,” Mayor Harding said.

“Flood releases from Somerset Dam and Wivenhoe Dam are also continuing this week.”

Mayor Harding said while the May flood peaked at major levels in Rosewood and Grandchester, and approached major levels in the CBD, it had not led to home inundations.

“It highlights that every flood is different,” Mayor Harding said.

“Many of those initial recovery services set up in the aftermath of the March flood event have now ceased or are now providing support through business-as-usual arrangements.

“The free flood waste collection provided by Council is one of the services that has now concluded.

Mayor Harding said Council continues to work closely with a range of services to ensure the community is supported and can recover from the flood event, including Queensland Government housing and homelessness services, Community Recovery, GIVIT, Lifeline and Salvation Army.

Mayor Harding said residents struggling with insurance issues could raise those directly with the Insurance Council of Australia via the ICA website.

Council is undertaking a review of the February flood event, with further details to be made public soon.

May 10

Moreton Bay develops flood recovery plan

To aid residents through the next stages of flood recovery, Moreton Bay Regional Council has developed a Severe Weather February 2022 Recovery Plan, with listed projects currently underway.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Peter Flannery, said the plan outlines long-term recovery projects, such as the repair of infrastructure that was damaged by floods through landslips and other events.

“We’re now a couple months into our recovery and I’m proud to say we’ve actioned 87 items of our plan, such as providing over 800 skip bins to the worst affected areas of Moreton Bay to help with their clean-up,” Mayor Flannery said.

“While the majority of people are now back on their feet thanks to the quick work of Council’s Moreton Recovery Group, I know it’s still a long road ahead for some who are dealing with the long-term economic impacts and that’s where this plan comes in.

“While Council staff worked around the clock to provide the community with supplies and build a temporary connection within 72 hours, there will be an ongoing project to build a permanent structure over the next two years.

“There is plenty of work still to be done, but I’m extremely proud of how Moreton Bay handled the disaster response and it gives me great confidence that we can deal with any crisis situation in the future.”

April 22

Tweed Council offers financial relief for residents impacted by floods

Tweed Council has supported a report to amend Council’s Revenue Policy to allow for a reduction in water consumption charges, following the floods of late February 2022.

Councillors also agreed to allow a  deferral of up to two quarters (6 months) of rate instalments with zero interest, to be repaid over a two-year period from 28 February 2022, where impact or hardship from flooding can be demonstrated.

Mayor of Tweed, Chris Cherry, said, “The Tweed has just experienced its biggest flood on record and we understand the financial cost on residents and businesses has been significant. 

“We understand it can be difficult to make household payments, particularly at this time, and hope this assistance agreed to by Councillors today might provide some relief.”

April 20

Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation created to assist flood rebuilding

The New South Wales Government has established a new coordinating body to lead the long-term reconstruction of flood impacted areas across the region, coming into effect from 1 July 2022.

The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) will coordinate planning, rebuilding and construction work of essential services, infrastructure and housing across multiple government agencies to help people and communities rebuild their lives.

The NRRC will work within local government areas of Ballina, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Tweed, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, and Lismore, to rebuild  homes as quickly as possible.

The new body will be supported by an advisory board consisting of local representatives, such as Mayors, and other  leaders in the community; for local expertise and knowledge.

The NRRC will have a long-term remit of three to five years for reconstruction of flood-hit communities, which will continue beyond the immediate response and recovery phase.

New South Wales Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, said the floods have left a devastating impact.

“As we transition from recovery and clean-up the focus will shift to how we can make the infrastructure and homes of the region more resilient in the event of future natural disasters,”  Mr  Toole said.

The NRRC will lead reconstruction projects including:

• Prioritising and sequencing projects Coordinating procurement and financial planning
• Industry capacity and engagement
• Planning and land acquisition
• Local government liaison
• Betterment identification

More specifically the NRRC will: 

• Identify, assess, develop and make recommendations on projects and programs that can help rebuild Lismore and other flood impacted Northern Rivers communities quickly and for the long-term
• Work with councils to identify, prioritise and support projects that can rejuvenate communities within the Northern Rivers area, with a particular emphasis on housing and supporting social infrastructure
• Work with the Department of Planning and Environment to fast-track planning and environmental approvals to make it easier for people living in the Northern Rivers to rebuild  homes and get back to normal life quickly
• Work with businesses to attract and retain investment in the region, with a particular focus on job creation and long-term economic growth
• Fund the delivery of enabling infrastructure to develop long-term, resilient and economically sustainable communities. Including new or upgraded roads, water, power, digital connectivity and social infrastructure
• Act on and implement recommendations from the Independent Flood Inquiry and the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Northern Rivers Floods as directed by government

For more information on the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation click here.

12 April

Funding boost for Ipswich environmental flood recovery 

Ipswich City Council has announced it will be providing additional funding for the recovery of the region’s flood-impacted flora, fauna and natural environment.

Council is leading a multi-agency Environment Recovery Taskforce to ensure coordination and communication across several sectors. 

As part of the recovery process, Council is offering funding to support environmental action to conserve local wildlife and land.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Russell Milligan, said Council is supporting wildlife carers with Flood Recovery funding of up to $1,000 per application.

“Wildlife carers play a crucial role in wildlife conservation, and the flood has displaced many native animals such as possums, wallabies, birds, reptiles and koalas,” Cr Milligan said.

“Increased call outs for these volunteer wildlife carers come with a financial impact such as fuel costs, and at the same time the severe weather has led to food shortages such as blossoms for flying foxes.”

A Flood Recovery Bursary has also been funded through Council’s Enviroplan initiative for Landholder Conservation Partnership Program members impacted by the flood.

“These properties with high environmental value can apply during April for support associated with debris removal, bank stabilisation, replanting creek banks with native plants and controlling emerging weeds,” Cr Milligan said.

Another focus of the Taskforce has been closures and restrictions impacting numerous Council conservation estates, reserves and parks as flood recovery efforts continue.

“The sheer damage caused by the flood water can be seen at places like Colleges Crossing, but there are lots of areas where dangers such as severe track damage and landslips are not visible from the road or main entry point,” Cr Milligan said.

“Some of our most popular natural areas are among the worst-affected and it will take time before closures and restrictions can be lifted.

“It is a constantly changing situation as parks, reserves and estates are gradually restored and reopened.”

The severe weather and flood event during February and March has had ongoing environmental impacts.

“Across the city, Council crews have been taking action to save and monitor significant trees as many have suffered from floodwater scouring around the bases, such as large eucalypts at Colleges Crossing,” Cr Milligan said.

“Through the Taskforce, Council is still assessing damage across the city, but so far we have seen a significant loss of vegetation and extensive damage to green projects such as bio-basins and bank stabilisations.

“Within a few days the floodwater caused environmental damage that may take months, or even years, to restore.

“Council is working with government and other stakeholders through this Environment Recovery Taskforce to undertake this massive environmental flood recovery effort.”

Wildlife carers can apply for Flood Recovery funding by 30 April 2022 here.

8 April 

PM backtracks: agrees to natural disaster 50:50 funding request

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has called upon the Federal Government to offer further support to flood-affected regions, after the Prime Minister initially declined a State Government request to co-fund a $741 million natural disaster resilience package, which he has since backpedalled on after facing backlash.

Read more 

7 April 

Tweed Council ramps up permanent road repairs to connect isolated communities

Tweed Council’s road crews and contractors have prioritised more permanent repairs of the area’s damaged road network, as emergency works to reconnect communities isolated since the floods near completion.

Since the floods in February and over March, crews have been working hard to restore access to 62 isolated communities in the Tweed Shire, with many cut off as a result of landslips and roads and bridges that washed away.

Three communities remain isolated as of 6 April, including residents at Commissioners Creek Road, Manns Road at Rowlands Creek and Snake Gully Road at Upper Burringbar, with another 6 communities having restricted access. 

Council’s Director Engineering, David Oxenham, has been leading the Council’s flood response and said the focus would now turn to more permanent repairs of other roads across the Tweed.

“Until now, our focus has been to ensure the safety of isolated communities mainly in remote areas of the Tweed,” Mr Oxenham said.

“With emergency works and the road clean-up nearing completion, our crews can now focus on more permanent repairs of our damaged roads.

“We have engaged multiple contractors to get as many repairs done as quickly as possible to help the community get back to some kind of normality. 

“More than 1,900 repair jobs have been logged as a result of the flooding events, and crews will be out and about at various locations across the Tweed over the coming months to tackle this workload.”

Council will continue to work alongside other agencies to ensure supplies and medical assistance are available until access is restored for these people.

31 March 2022

Lismore floods again as levee overflows

Flood recovery efforts have been halted as parts of New South Wales experience more flooding caused by sudden heavy rainfall, including the City of Lismore.

Read more

24 March 2022

Council survey finds that floods cost Tweed businesses $57 million

The devastating February floods, which hit the Tweed region and left many houses and businesses damaged, is estimated to have cost local businesses more than $57 million in damages and loss of trade. 

The staggering figure comes from self-assessments of the flood impact by 193 Tweed businesses, who voluntarily responded to Tweed Shire Regional Council’s Business Flood Impact Assessment survey. 

The survey found the estimated cost of the flood to the Tweed business community to be around $57,183,565 with 1,855 full and part-time staff impacted.

Small businesses made up 91 per cent of responders, with 86 of them forced to close due to the flood.

Council will use the information to advocate for greater funding assistance and support for businesses affected. 

Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry, said the devastating toll of the flood on the Tweed business community was shocking. 

“We can see from the response to our flood impact assessment this event has really hit many businesses and their staff hard,” Mayor Cherry said. 

“With the information we have gathered, we hope to present a strong case to the State and Federal Governments for more support for our businesses to get them back up and operating and their staff return to work.”

To find out what business assistance is currently available, go to the Tweed Shire Council website here.

22 March 2022

$742 million support package for flood-affected NSW

The Federal and New South Wales Governments have announced a jointly-funded support package of $742 million, to help affected communities in New South Wales rebuild their communities. 

Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) President, Cr Darriea Turley AM, commended the announcement.

The New South Wales Government’s $120 million Local Council Support Package includes $40 million to provide grants to councils to address urgent and immediate operational challenges, and $80 million to establish a working capital fund to supplement councils with flood and disaster recovery where residents are unable to pay rates.

“We are extremely happy to see that the New South Wales Government has provided more funding to the hardest-hit councils on top of the nearly $1 billion in emergency response and relief funding already provided,” Cr Turley said.

“What is also beneficial for councils and communities is the allocation of $145 million for the urgent repair and replacement of water and sewerage critical infrastructure in the disaster-declared LGAs of the Northern Rivers.

“Councils are the closest form of government to their communities and play a vital role in everyday life of regional and rural areas.

“This extra funding is desperately needed by regional councils to shorten the length of the recovery process.”

Ipswich continues flood recovery 

Disaster response and recovery support for the Ipswich community continues after devastating flooding hit the region four weeks ago, with assistance from the City of Ipswich Council. 

Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding, said that ever since the warnings for major flooding were sent out, Ipswich City Council’s Local Disaster Management Group swung into action, followed by the Local Recovery and Resilience Group.

“Council has joined with many other agencies from all levels of government and the non-government sector to lead a coordinated and effective response,” Mayor Harding said.

Ipswich City Council has assisted the community to remove almost 10,000 tonnes of waste with 4,200 tonnes of flood waste material from the city.

“Residents from Springfield to Rosewood are still rebuilding after the 2020 Halloween hailstorm, the community as a whole continues to be impacted by the global pandemic and this flood is yet another challenge nature has thrown our way,” Mayor Harding said.

“Council will continue to identify recovery priorities through community consultation and guide decisions about resource allocation and management of projects with a medium to long-term view on recovery.”

The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery

17 March 2022

Logan Council supports wildlife affected by floods

City of Logan are offering wildlife carers much-needed financial support after recent devastating flooding, to rehabilitate animals injured in the disaster. 

Read more

16 March 2022

Blacktown Council offers free flood clean-up

Blacktown Council crews have linked up with SES, RFS and Army units to provide a free flood clean-up service for the worst affected areas in Blacktown City.

Some areas of the City received nearly six months’ rain in just over a week and added to this was the record flood levels in the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system, causing flooding and severe road damage.

Blacktown City was one of many Council areas declared a “Natural Disaster” area by the NSW Government. Council has assessed the bill for damage to local roads and Council buildings to be in excess of $8 million for roads and $1.35 million for the buildings.

Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, said, “While Blacktown City hasn’t been hit as hard as some of the areas along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers, and the North Coast, we have still copped our fair share of damage.”

“But once again, I am really proud of the way Council staff worked with the SES and RFS volunteers to provide early assistance to those in need.

“As the flood levels rose, Council supplied 150 tonnes of sand to the SES to prepare sand bags and also prepared about 5,000 sand bags for distribution.

“We also activated Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope as an evacuation centre for a short time at the height of the emergency and crews worked around the clock repairing potholes and flood damage.

“From last weekend, Council crews have been patrolling flood-affected areas in Riverstone, Shanes Park, Schofields and Marsden Park picking up flood-damaged goods and materials.

“Additionally, residents in flood-affected areas can contact our Council call centre and arrange to have the flood debris picked up.

“Blacktown City Council has also reached out to our neighbours, Hawkesbury Shire Council and is offering staff and temporary garaging for some of their vehicles.”

Summary of flood operations in Blacktown City:

• The SES received 628 calls for assistance from 28 February to 10 March, with Blacktown SES receiving 346 requests and Mount Druitt 289
• Blacktown City Council, working in conjunction with the SES activated Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope as an evacuation centre on 2/3 March
• At the height of the emergency, 22 roads were closed in Blacktown City
• Council supplied 150 tonnes of sand to Mount Druitt and Blacktown SES units for sand bags
• Council staff prepared about 5,000 sand bags and delivered them to Blacktown and Mount Druitt SES units
• Council received hundreds of calls for assistance, day and night, regarding flooded roads, localised flooding, pothole repairs, blocked pits and pipes, sewer lines and building damage
• Council began clean-up and pick-up operations on 12 March and on that day alone picked up 7 tonnes of flood waste
• Council has assessed damage to roads and Council buildings to be approximately $8 million for roads and $1.35 million for Council buildings
• Potholes and road damage, or requests for clean-up: 9839 6000

“Our Council crews are working around the clock repairing potholes and road damage. We encourage residents to report road damage and potholes, but please show consideration and understanding when you are dealing with our hard-working crews and call centre staff,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

10 March 2022

Hill Shire Council approves initiatives to help flood affected residents

Hills Shire Council has approved a package of initiatives to aid in the recovery and rebuild of homes, for residents affected by the recent floods.

The package includes waiving fees on Development Applications (DAs) in flood affected areas, as well as relinquishing application fees for sewage management systems.

Council will also look to waive fees for work associated with flood clean-up, and prioritise DAs, construction certificates and other applications associated with flood support.

Council will also suspend application fees to help caravan park operators get back to business sooner. Where possible, Council will allow property owners to reasonably restore and repair their land to its pre-flood condition.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Peter Gangemi, said he hoped this announcement would send a signal of support to those affected by this natural disaster.

“This is the second time in the past 12-months that The Hills Shire has been impacted by a major flood event,” Mayor Gangemi said.

“Flood levels are already exceeding last year’s heights, which is devastating for our community. It’s also an emotional and stressful time for those who have only just rebuilt.

“We won’t know the true extent of the damage until waters recede, but these measures are one way we can help residents through yet another difficult time.”

Adding to the raft of initiatives, Hill Shire Council has activated the Castle Hill Showground, with the help of the Greater Sydney Local Land Services, as an emergency animal evacuation centre. 

As of 9 March, 49 horses are seeking refuge, with room available for more animals and livestock. 

SES, RFS, emergency services and volunteers have been working constantly to stabilise homes, roads, carry out rescues and deliver supplies by boat to isolated properties in Wisemans Ferry.

Mayor Gangemi thanked everyone who has contributed to flood rescue and recovery efforts.

“We live in such a generous community and at our darkest time, residents, volunteers, community and church groups are raising money, sending food and medical supplies and helping those needing assistance,” Mayor Gangemi said. 

“I can’t thank our SES, RFS, police, ambulance and emergency service teams enough for everything they’re doing. They’ve been working non-stop over a number of years to help residents through storms, fires and now two major floods. I’m in awe of their tenacity and drive to help others.

“Thank you to the Greater Sydney Local Land Services and RSPCA for their work at the Castle Hill Showground, and Castle Hill RSL for acting as an evacuation centre for residents.”

Mayor Gangemi went on to say that the flood situation was far from over, and that ood levels along some parts of the Hawkesbury River have yet to peak.

Once the waters recede, Council and other agencies will be able to assess the damage, and thenCouncil can begin clean-up efforts and prioritise restoring road networks.

Mayor Gangemi said he expects the damage to exceed 2021’s flood bill.

“Like last time, I’m sure our State and Federal Governments are ready to assist with resources to help with recovery efforts.

“Already, we’ve received financial assistance from the State Government to support our residents and business community, and for that, we are very grateful.”

9 March 2022

Landslips cause severe Tweed road damage

Major landslips have caused severe damage along the Tweed road network, including hundreds of road and bridge repairs recorded.

As floodwaters recede, Tweed Shire Council’s engineering team has been deployed across the Shire to assess the extent of the damage, which is expected to exceed that of the flood of 2017.

Works are being prioritised to ensure isolated communities are able to be accessed and resources delivered to those in need.

Several significant landslips – including on Tyalgum Road about 4km east of Tyalgum village, Scenic Drive at Bilambil Heights, and Reserve Creek Road at Reserve Creek – are of major concern.

These roads are expected to be closed for many months while geotechnical assessments are made and repairs undertaken. Alternative routes will have to be taken by motorists until these repairs are completed

Much of Kyogle Road also remains severely impacted from Byangum to the Shire boundary as this area received the worst of the rainfall. The road remains closed, as of 8 March,  to Kyogle township due to landslips near the Shire boundary.

Temporary repairs have been undertaken at Byrrill Creek Bridge, Mount Warning Bridge and at Blacks Drain crossing on Tweed Valley Way at South Murwillumbah, to make them passable while further repair works are undertaken.

Hundreds of smaller road repairs will need to be undertaken to fix the damage across the road network. The repair list is likely to exceed the 1,600 jobs required after the 2017 flood.

Council’s leadership team, including Tweed Mayor, Chris Cherry, met with New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, on 7 March, to brief him on the extent of the situation and the mammoth repair job ahead.

“We are grateful to the Minister for visiting our Shire and seeing for himself the sheer devastation that has occurred following last week’s flood,” Mayor Cherry said.

“Our Council is pleased to see support from the State and Federal Governments to complete this huge repair job – it will require cooperation from all tiers of government to assist our team, who are doing all they can to ensure the safety of our community at this stage.”

Mayor Cherry urged motorists to remain cautious on the roads and drive to conditions, with much of the road network remaining slippery and muddy as the clean-up gets underway.

Motorists are urged not to enter areas where a road is signed as being closed. Do not remove road closure signs as this may place other motorists at risk as they enter an area without being alerted to dangers.

Residents are also encouraged, where possible, to move their vehicles from the roadsides as they are now becoming a safety hazard and impeding clean-up crews.

4 March 2022

NSW Council seeks data from businesses to advocate for flood funding

Tweed Council will advocate to the New South Wales and Federal Governments for additional funding to support local businesses, following the recent catastrophic floods – releasing a survey to collect related data.

Read more 

South East Queensland (SEQ) and regions across New South Wales continue to face dangerous flooding and rainfall, with local councils opening emergency evacuation centres and urging residents to stay home.

The record breaking flooding began in SEQ, with the wild weather then moving to Northern New South Wales and down the East Coast, with the town of Lismore suffering through the region’s  worst flooding in recorded history. 

Queensland Transport and Main Road Minister, Mark Bailey, said, “There are now hundreds of road closures across South East Queensland, so we are asking people to stay off the roads to allow emergency services to respond to what’s unfolding.

“Flood waters can be deceptive, with hidden dangers below the surface, so it’s not worth risking your life just to get home or to work faster.”

Several areas in SEQ, including Brisbane, have only just seen flood waters reduce from January’s floods, with disaster assistance swiftly activated for affected areas.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator, Bridget McKenzie, said there were now 17 councils activated for jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) assistance, in response to the unfolding events.

The 17 local government areas activated for DRFA assistance for this event are: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, said this had been a phenomenal event in terms of rainfall, with more than 1,100mm dropped at Mount Glorious, north-west of Brisbane.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads has reported more than 1,000 roads have been closed or have restricted access and parts of the Bruce, Warrego and Cunningham highways have been cut off,” Mr Ryan said.

This extreme weather and heavy rain also impacted the Mt Crosby and North Pine Water Treatment Plants which both went offline on 28 February 2022. This was a  result of extreme rainfall and flooding washing soil and debris into the creeks and waterways, which flow into the treatment plants.  

North Pine has since restarted. 

Seqwater is working closely with its water supply partners, Urban Utilities, Unitywater and Logan City Council to keep people updated.

City of Logan Mayor, Darren Power, urged the local community to be prepared and take all necessary precautions to stay safe.

“The Logan community is resilient and has been in this situation before, but we need everyone to be vigilant,” Mayor Power said.

“Parts of the city are already isolated and we expect more locations to be cut off. 

“If your suburb has a history of impact from a rising waterway, get prepared to be cut-off or consider moving to higher ground ahead of any forecast flood peak.”

Webb Hall at the Redcliffe Showgrounds is now open as an emergency evacuation centre.

The facility will be manned by Council staff and Show Society volunteers, for people and pets who have nowhere else to go.

Redcliffe Mayor, Peter Flannery, said locals need to see the showgrounds evacuation centre as a last resort.

“If you need to leave your home first seek shelter with family or friends, it’s critical that we save room at our emergency centres for people with nowhere else to go like new residents, travellers, or people living with disabilities who may not be able to travel far,” Mayor Flannery said.

Wivenhoe Dam releases pose additional risk

Ipswich residents in low lying areas have been  encouraged to prepare for further flooding, as days of heavy rain combine with Wivenhoe Dam releases, which commenced at 4am 28 February 2022. 

 Flood modelling available on the Ipswich City Council Disaster Dashboard includes the impact of the Wivenhoe Dam releases and shows that low lying areas of Goodna will be significantly inundated, as well as some areas in Karalee and Barellan Point.

Local Disaster Management Group Chairperson, Mayor Teresa Harding, said Council modelling has raised concerns water could enter properties near the upper Brisbane River and its tributaries, such as the Bremer River.

“We are seeing higher levels of inundation to low lying areas across our city, especially in parts of Goodna and Bundamba where some residents needed to be evacuated in the middle of the night,” Ms Harding said.

An evacuation centre has opened at the Ipswich Showgrounds to assist residents who are at risk of flooding.

“If you are unable to stay with family or friends, you are welcome at the Ipswich Showgrounds,” Mayor Harding said.

“Further flooding in lower areas of Bremer River and Warrill Creek are possible, depending on further Wivenhoe Dam releases and rain.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has advised that people should seek shelter, avoid driving through floodwater and using telephones during thunderstorms, and be aware of fallen trees and powerlines.

Lismore faces catastrophic flooding

As Northern New South Wales faces extreme flooding, residents of Lismore were forced to evacuate  their homes via boat.

Lismore City Council Mayor, Steve Krieg released a statement concerning the floods, on 28 February 2022.

“Lismore will face one of its most difficult periods in its history over the next few days. I want to encourage you to prioritise your safety, and the safety and wellbeing of your families during this time. 

“Please don’t go out in the weather if you can avoid it. Many more roads than expected are now unsafe and/or closed.  “Please reach out to your neighbours, family and friends to check on their welfare.

“Unfortunately, this weather event has been far worse than predicted, with people trapped on roofs across Lismore which is stretching the limited resources of the volunteer organisation. They are trying to provide assistance to people as soon as they can.”

On the 5th March, Lismore City Council announced that Lismore’s water supply was secured.

Council stated that Rous is producing a regular supply of water into the network and the integrity of Lismore City Council’s water networks and infrastructure is secure. 

The region’s drinking water is compliant to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Lismore residents cleaning up can now also  use water pressure cleaning.

As of the 6th March, the SES has given residents the all clear to return to CBD, North Lismore and South Lismore.

Damaging weather hits Central Coast and Sydney 

Central Coast Council is continuing its constant and close monitoring of lakes, waterways, beaches and roads for potential flooding and storm impacts, and is urging the community to get prepared as more heavy rainfall is forecast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) released a moderate flood warning for the Central Coast region at 3pm on 2 March 2022 and based on this heavy rainfall forecast, Council’s flood engineers identified the potential for the moderate flood level (1.3m) to be exceeded.

Council staff are continuing to liaise with BOM to receive an accurate understanding of anticipated peak lake levels and will provide updates to the community ongoing.

The ABC reports parts of New South Wales could see up to 100mm of rain over the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th of March, as a cold front and trough brings the chance of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and damaging winds.

Council begins emergency works along Shoalhaven coastline

The major storm event along the East Coast has resulted in Shoalhaven’s coastline experiencing extreme surf conditions, with some waves measuring in excess of 6m. 

The associated high tides and storm surge have exposed beaches to severe inundation and erosion.

Shoalhaven council staff will begin inspecting high-risk beaches to determine emergency response actions and to protect public safety. Emergency works may involve mobilising specialist contractors to undertake beach scraping or nature assisted beach enhancement (NABE) works.

$14.5 million in road upgrades to improve flood immunity in Griffin

Work will soon begin to elevate Henry Road and Dohles Rocks Road from flood waters following the wet weather systems that caused havoc across Moreton Bay, with the most recent closing sections of the road for six days.

These $14.5 million road works will upgrade the flood immunity of both roads, so that residents in Griffin and surrounding suburbs can commute without being bogged down in major traffic delays.

Acting Mayor and Division 4 Councillor, Jodie Shipway, thanked the Federal Government for its contribution of $4 million to the project.

“I’m pleased to announce that work will be getting underway this month to improve the flood immunity here by elevating the road level and widening and reconstructing the road surface,” Ms Shipway said.

Works will also include a new signalised intersection at the corner of Henry/Dohles Rocks Road including additional turning lanes, pedestrian crossing, new pedestrian connections and a new intersection on Henry Road; to access the nearly completed Griffin Sports Complex.

Evacuation centres across South East Queensland

Brisbane:

• Sleeman Sports Complex, Old Cleveland Rd & Tilley Rd, Chandler
• Kedron-Wavell Services Club, 21 Kittyhawk Dr Chermside

Sunshine Coast:

• Nambour Showgrounds
• University of Sunshine Coast Sports Stadium, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs

Moreton Bay:

• Webb Hall at Redcliffe Showgrounds, Scarborough Road, Redcliffe
• Dayboro Community Hall, 6 Bradley Street, Dayboro
• Beachmere Hub, Main Street, Beachmere
• Beachmere State School, 24-58 James Road, Beachmere
• Dayboro Showgrounds, 3512 Mount Mee Road, for caravans and campers
• Woodford Community Hall, 103 Archer Street, Woodford 
• Caboolture Memorial Hall, 60 – 65 King Street, Caboolture
• Watson Park Convention Centre, 337 Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin
• Bribie Island Rec Hall, 156A First Avenue, Bongaree
• Samford Community Hall, School Road, Samford Village
• Strathpine Community Centre, 199 Gympie Road, Strathpine
• Burpengary Community Hall, 101 Station Road, Burpengary

Ipswich:

• Ipswich Showgrounds at 81 Warwick Road, Ipswich
• Karalee State School, 77 Arthur Summervilles Road, Karalee (Place of refuge, no facilities except toilets)
• Kruger State School, 170 Kruger Parade, Bellbird Park (Place of refuge, no facilities except toilets)

Evacuation centres across New South Wales

• Banora Point Salvation Army – Cnr Leisure & Woodlands Drive, Banora Point
• Southern Cross University – Military Rd, East Lismore NSW 2480
• Kyogle Memorial Hall – Cnr Summerland Way & Strathden Street, Kyogle
• Murwillumbah TAFE – 146 Murwillumbah St, Murwillumbah NSW 2484
• Ocean Shores Country Club – 123 Orana Road, Ocean Shores NSW 2483
• Coraki Uniting Church – 50 Adams Street Coroki NSW 2471
• Maclean Showgrounds – 12 Cameron St, Maclean NSW 2463
• Kingscliff TAFE – 806 Cudgen Rd, Kingscliff NSW 2487
• South Grafton High School – Tyson Street, South Grafton NSW 2460 – Relocated from Grafton Racecourse
• Mullumbimby RSL – 58 Dalley St, Mullumbimby NSW
• Bellingen Highschool – 1125 Waterfall Way, Bellingen NSW 2454
• ex Woolgoolga – 18 Boundary St, Woolgoolga NSW 2456
• Casino High School – 90 Queensland Rd, Casino NSW 2470
• Wardell Sport & Recreation Club, Bath Street, Wardell NSW 2477
• Xavier College, 2 Redford Drive, Skennars Head NSW 2478
• Lennox Head Cultural Centre – 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head NSW 2478
• Brunswick Hotel – 4 Mullumbimby Street, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
• Cherry Street Sports Club – 68 Cherry Street, Ballina NSW 2478
• Woodburn Public School – Woodburn Street, Woodburn NSW 2472
• Camp Drew – Camp Drew Road, Lennox Head
• Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre -1 Wallerawang Drive, Goonellabah NSW 2480
• Iluka Bowling Club – 75-79 Spenser Street, Iluka NSW 2466
• Evans Head RSL – 11-13 McDonald Place, Evans Head NSW 2473
• Rappville Primary School – 5/7 Lyons Street, Rappville NSW 2469
• Blacktown Leisure Centre – Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
• Castle Hill RSL- 77 Castle Street Castle Hill 2154
• Canley Vale Diggers Club – 1 Bartley Street Canley Vale 2166
• Richmond Club – East Market Street, Richmond