Plans are being rolled out now for an assessment of Tuggerah Lakes as flooding on Wyong River and Tuggerah Lake continues to subside.
While NSW SES has issued an ‘all clear’ and lifted evacuation orders, the aftermath of the ‘rain bomb’ is now a focus for the Council, while the Coast Public Health Network has warned about a potential rise in Ross River Fever.
At the request of Resilience NSW and the Local Emergency Management Officer an impact assessment for Tuggerah Lakes will soon commence.
Due to the extreme rainfall, there are high amounts of debris expected to be flowing into the lake and over the next week, Council will be assessing sites around the Lakes, recording information to prioritise specific works.
Those assessment will include, and not be limited to: types of debris materials; the quantities of various debris materials; level and ease of access to the Lakes; any ongoing flood levels and the potential for further debris materials to be present.
Council will also undertake other assessments, working with NSW RFS and SES to conduct tree risk assessments.
Meanwhile, Member for The Entrance, David Mehan MP, has written to the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Steph Cooke and Central Coast Council requesting that a sandbag collection point be located at Council’s Long Jetty Depot at Bateau Bay.
As a result of the deluge of rains, the Coast Public Health Network’s acting CEO, Paul Byleveld, has warned of a potential rise in mosquito-borne Ross River Fever.
He explained that there has been an increase in the numbers of mosquitos and that the Network would recommend that people, where possible, avoid going out at peak mosquito times – dawn and dusk.
“Be cautious around wetland and bushland, and where possible, where long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes, and use mosquito repellent that contains DEET,” he said.
“Symptoms of Ross Rive Fever differ – some people might not feel any symptoms, while some people might have a rash, feel lethargic, or experience a low-grade fever.
“Symptoms can persist for a long time, so (our advice) for people on the Coast is that after rain and flooding, we would urge you to take extra care and precautions,” he said.
Meanwhile, beaches at the top end of the Coast remain closed including the Grant McBride baths at The Entrance.
Council is working with Resilience NSW to ensure residents have access to information and support services to aid recovery, including a Pop-up ‘Recovery Hub’ at Diggers at The Entrance to support those impacted by the floods at the following times:
Thursday 17 March: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday 20 March: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Wednesday 23 March: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Thursday 24 March: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Nicola Riches