A group of concerned local residents frustrated with Central Coast Councils’ current management of Tuggerah lakes has launched a campaign ahead of the September local council elections calling for regular dredging.
The group, Tuggerah Lakes Care (TLC), says it represents the interests of more than 10,000 local residents and business owners and has launched a AI-developed video update on the flooding of the interconnected Budgewoi, Munmorah and Tuggerah lakes and how they can be better managed to reduce rising costs for the many thousands of affected residents and visitors as well as save Central Coast Council money.
The video calls on Council to “bring back our channel” and “bring back Reg the dredge”.
A TLC spokesperson said there were no plans to run a candidate in the upcoming council elections although the group and its aims had widespread support from candidates of all political persuasions.
The group is being advised by coastal engineer expert Dr Angus Gordon who prepared and presented a report on flooding issues in the Tuggerah lakes system to Central Coast Council in 2021.
The spokesperson said multiple consultants including Gordon had made it clear dredging a funnel-shaped channel from Pelican Island west of The Entrance bridge narrowing to the sand berm was the single most effective solution to reduce the intensity, regularity and damage caused by floods.
They said there had been no dredging west of The Entrance bridge for decades and the dredging scheduled for 2010 never occurred.
Council obtained funding from the NSW government for dredging in 2017 and has funds remaining after decommissioning its dredge in 2019.
“Five floods in seven years have impacted every member of our community to varying degrees,” the spokesperson said.
“Those residing near the lakeshore bear the brunt, facing property damage, emotional strain and soaring repair costs.
“The entire community feels the ripple effects as insurance premiums rise across our postcodes due to these flood related issues.
“Adding to this burden is the damage to roads and infrastructure, prompting the Council to raise rates to cover repair costs and causing delays in normal operations.
“Local businesses and clubs also miss out on tourism and the tourist dollars that trickle down into the community.
“It is crucial for all of us to work together to mitigate the damage caused by floods.”
They said the group acknowledged that there would always be flooding but it could be better managed by improved transparency and preparedness by both Council and residents.
The video can be viewed at www.tuggerahlakescare.com.au
Council buying a dredge and actually having a dredging plan for the Lakes system (and Brisbane Waters ) should be a question to every council candidate.