Once more the Central Coast is in clean-up mode, following a powerful east coast low which drenched the region last week.
As rainfall eased this week, Central Coast Council swung into recovery mode, working closely alongside Resilience NSW to support the community through the clean-up, while continuing its work alongside the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and other emergency agencies to support those still isolated or evacuated.
Although evacuated residents were given the all-clear to return with caution to their homes early this week, floodwaters are still receding at multiple locations around Tuggerah Lakes and the Lower Hawkesbury River.
With the Central Coast included in the NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration on July 5, people in the community who have been affected by the severe weather and flooding event can access a range of special assistance measures.
For details on State Government assistance available for individuals, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs and more go to nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery/natural-disaster-declarations.
Those who have suffered a significant loss because of the floods can also access a one-off Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
Council and NSW SES have been providing ongoing support to communities still isolated because of flood waters including organising drops of food hampers, toiletry packs and fuel.
Fodder drops have been made over isolated areas in Yarramalong to ensure any isolated animals have access to feed and fly overs have continued to help locate any missing animals.
Council’s regular waste collection services continue as normal and Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities remain operational as per normal opening hours.
For properties located on sections of road currently closed to vehicles, kerbside services will resume as soon as the roads re-open and resources are available.
Council is working with Cleanaway to cater for increased demand for bulk collection services in flood impacted suburbs during the clean-up phase.
Households which have been inundated by flood waters will received a dedicated flood waste collection service over the following weeks– residents will receive detailed information about this via a letterbox drop.
Homes which experienced seagrass (wrack) and vegetation debris from lake and river flooding can prepare this debris in piles on their kerbside for Council to collect.
Smaller volumes of uncontaminated seagrass and vegetation debris from lake and river flooding can also be placed into green waste bins.
Larger volumes can also be bagged or boxed and placed on the kerbside as part of a bulk green waste collection.
For sandbag disposal, split the hessian bags to remove sand and place in your garden somewhere it won’t wash away, if possible; then place empty bags in the red lid garbage bin.
As roads open in the Spencer and Gunderman area impacts from any landslide/rockslides or trees down will be assessed.
Residents are urged to stay up to date with the latest closures before travelling on roads and avoid impacted roads as flash flooding may still be occurring.
Council is also asking residents to continue to report developing potholes as crews undertake temporary repair works and attending to the roads by priority for safety.
Avoid unnecessary risks during clean up by: not entering a damaged building or structure, unless deemed safe to do so by authorities; taking great care around electricity by following the SES Electricity Safety Tips; and being alert to snakes, spiders, rats and other wildlife.
If removing or moving waste, use appropriate personal protective equipment including dust mask, gloves, covered shoes or boots and full-length clothing to cover your arms and legs.
Terry Collins