A sandbagging collection point has been set up in the EDSACC grounds at Bateau Bay to help residents protect their homes and property from the rising floodwaters.
You’ll need a shovel but everything else is there at the north oval car park at 460 The Entrance Rd.
Also, the Diggers club at The Entrance is operating as an evacuation centre for those affected by the evacuation order issued by the NSW State Emergency Service earlier today (July 5).
NSW SES directed people within low-lying areas around Budgewoi and Tuggerah lakes to evacuate the high danger area by 2pm.
The SES said that once floodwater passed 1.5m roads would begin to close.
The Central Coast has been declared a Natural Disaster Area following the widespread flooding.
The Entrance MP, David Mehan, commended the Diggers for their continued service to the community.
“I encourage flood affected locals who need assistance to make their way to the centre,” he said.
Residents and their pets will be accepted at the centre where services are available to them as required.
Mehan also said he was pleased to see the local sandbagging area set up today.
He had requested the local sandbagging collection point for The Entrance electorate in May, following the floods earlier this year, and it was supported by the Minister for Emergency Services, Steph Cooke.
“I hope this will now solidify the location for future weather events and provide local residents adversely affected by flooding the opportunity to collect sandbags closer to where they live,” he said.
“I expect that the EDSACC sandbag point will be established in a timely manner to help my community prepare for future flood events.
“I will continue to work with the SES and Central Coast Council to ensure that this is the case,” Mehan said.
Sue Murray