The clean-up continues on the region’s waterways in the wake of devastating storms two weeks ago.
Central Coast Council has completed widespread and thorough inspections of all public foreshores around Tuggerah Lakes for sea wrack (sea grass) and vegetation deposited from the recent flood event and is progressively working through the clean-up.
A spokesperson said clean-ups will be prioritised by the level of impact and accessibility, with some impacted areas still be very wet, prohibiting the use of machinery.
Clean-up around the Lakes are expected to be completed over coming weeks.
Meanwhile, debris continues to wash ashore on beaches to the south of the region with more expected in coming weeks.
“This will be another long recovery effort where debris will continue to be washed up on beaches and foreshores, and Council appreciate any assistance individuals and groups can offer,” the spokesperson said.
Avoca, Cockrone, Terrigal and Wamberal Lagoons all remain open and Council staff continue to monitor for coastal erosion.
Moderate erosion has been reported at North Entrance, Lakes Beach, Killcare and MacMasters Beach and Council has advised people not to walk on or near eroded beach escarpments.
“This is both dangerous and could cause serious injury for anyone in the vicinity, and may provide further risk to properties in the immediate area,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, communities in the Lower Hawkesbury area including Wisemans Ferry, Spencer and Gunderman are in the recovery phase after the biggest flood in the area in 100 years.
“People thinking about visiting the area are asked to stay away while these communities clean-up their properties and recover from this significant event,” the spokesperson said.
While Wisemans Ferry Road and other arterial roads in the region are open, landslips and falling trees can still occur.
Some roads are subject to load limits due to roadworks.
Some temporary road closures remain in place while sites are assessed for remediation works.
Council advises motorists to take care, be aware of signage and reduced speed limits and only travel to or through the area if necessary.
As Council proceeded with its clean-up efforts, Clean4Shore continued its operations throughout the weekend.
Co-ordinator Graham Johnson said rain had impacted efforts this week but the group planned to resume its efforts next week, possibly extending up to Newcastle.
“But our focus will remain largely on the Hawkesbury,” he said.
On Saturday, July 16, a car trailer was brought in to remove a large water tank and lounge washed ashore at Patonga.
The team also concentrated on removing masses of polystyrene from Flint and Steel beach near the mouth of the Hawkesbury on the weekend, filling five huge bags before returning to Patonga to off-load them into Council skip bins.
Terry Collins