As mop-up operations continue all over the Central Coast in the wake of the heavy rains in past weeks, residents at Wamberal and North Entrance impacted by severe erosion are still waiting for a direct course of action.
State Emergency Services reported more than 650 requests for assistance from May 18-26 including: 308 jobs for leaking roofs and trees down; 297 flood assistance jobs such as sandbag delivery and non-emergency flooding; and 33 flood rescue jobs consisting of vehicles being driven into flood water and evacuations.
In the Gosford SES area alone, more than 3,000 sandbags were made and distributed to the community.
Residents at Dora Creek, Yarramalong and Dooralong were told to prepare to isolate as water levels in local creeks and waterways continued to rise on May 22.
Those living in the Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah areas, including Chittaway Point, were also on the alert.
The Peninsula didn’t escape either – with numerous streets underwater and deep puddles concealing huge potholes beneath.
As the SES helps with ongoing recovery efforts, beachside home-owners are in limbo.
The NSW Government declared a Natural Disaster for the region on May 21, allowing residents and businesses affected by the weather to access emergency funds for essential structural repairs, emergency accommodation, emergency loans and assistance in replacement of essential items.
The Minister for Recovery signed a Reconstruction Area Order for areas within the LGA on the same day, but locals say no clear communication has followed and no approvals have been given to begin emergency works.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the NSW Government and Central Coast Council’s work towards trying to activate a solution for the current emergency at Wamberal Beach, with further damages experienced on a different section of the beach at Pacific St,” one Wamberal resident said.
“But emergency works need to commence urgently.”
North Entrance locals sounded the alarm for preventative action early last month, not only for erosion-impacted homes but for the broader Tuggerah Lakes community.
“So far, North Entrance residents have been given no detail on what this means for us in a practical sense,” one resident said.
“We’re still waiting to see if we can start works to protect our homes and community assets.”
There are growing calls for real, ongoing action — including consistent yearly dredging.
“It feels like we’re shouting into a void,” one North Entrance resident said.
“The beach is disappearing, the swell is rising, and we’re still waiting to hear if we can protect our own properties along with community assets.”
Residents are urging swift cooperation between Council, the NSW Government and the Reconstruction Authority before it’s too late.
A Council spokesperson said the declaration of the Reconstruction Areas encompassing The Entrance North and Wamberal was an important step in providing an avenue for private property owners to undertake emergency coastal protection works legally.
“Council has engaged Coastal and Structural Engineers to provide plans for both Wamberal and The Entrance North, addressing the urgent works,” Council said.
“These design plans will need to consider works required to protect properties at risk of imminent structural collapse as well as impacts of works on other properties.
“While Council will oversee the works once approved, private property owners will be responsible for engaging contractors to complete the work and associated costs.
“While we are moving into the next stage of the process, and the avenue under the Reconstruction Act provides a pathway, there are still a number of formal processes to be followed, so it is not a quick fix.
“Council is very pleased (at) how quickly the NSW Government is responding since our meeting held a fortnight ago.
“In the interim, daily site inspections are continuing in the affected areas and Council is maintaining regular contact with property owners.”
The State Government waived the waste levy for 17 Local Government Areas impacted by flooding, including the Central Coast, on May 22.
Residents can dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months.
Storm generated waste includes damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, garden debris and other items.
It does not cover waste generated by property repair or pre-existing materials.
Assistance has also been made available for farmers experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding.
For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline on 1800 814 647, which is available 9am-5pm seven days a week.
For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES on 132 500.
Terry Collins and Skaie Hull
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