Coast remains on flood alert

The Central Coast remained on high alert on April 30, with king tides overnight expected to exacerbate flooding issues experienced region-wide since April 26.

Days of heavy rains saw many areas of the Coast inundated, with road closures in place and escalating concerns over flooding around the Tuggerah Lakes.

State Emergency Services (SES) Local Commander for Gosford and Wyong Rolf Garda said around 200 calls had been received since the weekend, mostly involving leaking roofs and calls for sandbags.

“There is still a minor flood warning in place around Tuggerah Lakes and much concern over erosion issues at Wamberal and North Entrance beaches,” Garda said on April 30.

The Bureau of Meteorology said surf and swell conditions were expected to remain hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating and swimming until midnight on Thursday, May 1, with more flash flooding likely.

A sandbag collection facility was set up at Sunrise Reserve in Geoffrey Rd, Chittaway Point, as residents scrambled to protect their homes.

Central Coast Council has been constantly monitoring the situation, opening The Entrance channel and having machinery in place to continue removing sand to enhance channel flow.

Residents living around Tuggerah Lakes are encouraged to continue to check how conditions might affect their property at hubs.la/Q03j_N0D0

Council has opened Terrigal Lagoon, with water levels expected to continue falling and continues to monitor all lagoon levels, with intervention to occur as required.

Meanwhile, commuters were thrown into chaos as trains on the Central Coast/Newcastle line were affected by flooding at Cockle Creek on April 28.

Passengers travelling from the Central Coast towards Newcastle Interchange were warned trains would terminate and start at Fassifern with a shuttle train service operating between Newcastle Interchange and Cardiff, stopping at all stations.

Check the latest railway line conditions on the Transport NSW website or by calling 131 500.

As erosion fears escalated, State Member for Terrigal and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Adam Crouch called on the NSW Government to declare a State of Emergency for the Central Coast on April 30.

“It’s time that the Minns Labor Government stepped up and declares a state of emergency for our region and provides support to Central Coast Council,” Crouch said.

“It’s been weeks and we have seen increased coastal erosion in our region and zero support from the Government.”