Council counts the cost of flood damage
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Larry Whipper and General Manager Ann Prendergast have joined Member for Goulburn Pru Goward in visiting some of the Shire’s worst affected flood areas.
Also on hand for parts of the inspection was the Member for Wollondilly, Mr Jai Rowell and the Hon David Elliott, Minister for Emergency Services.
“The scale of the damage is truly astonishing,” the Mayor said.
“Not one of our Shire’s towns or villages has escaped some degree of water damage,” he said. “Be it homes, businesses, commercial properties or public infrastructure – everywhere has been affected.”
“Our thoughts go out to all those who’ve lost personal possessions.”
While inspecting businesses and properties in Mittagong, Moss Vale, Wildes Meadow and Robertson, Ms Prendergast reaffirmed Council’s storm assistance.
“Since the deluge began on Saturday we had all our crews out assisting the lead agencies in setting up roadblocks, clearing landslips, removing trees from roads and evacuating houses,” Ms Prendergast said.
“And now that the waters have receded we’ve allocated extra staff to help clear storm debris and assess damage to trees, parks, drains, bridges and roads.
“Once this has been completed Council will sit down and develop a full priority-based program of remediation,” Ms Prendergast said.
“However the full extent and cost of damages won’t be known for some time and getting crews to attend to all jobs is also going to take considerable time.”
Floodwaters have also caused considerable damage to numerous Council construction projects and facilities including the recently refurbished Mittagong Swimming Pool.
The inspection comes on the back of Tuesday’s announcement that the Wingecarribee Shire had joined a list of Local Government Areas across the State declared as a natural disaster area.
“This announcement provides some respite as it will enable us to access vital State and Federal Government emergency assistance funding,” Ms Prendergast added.
“In the interim we remind residents who require flood or storm assistance on private property to contact the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500,” the Mayor said.
“All of our first responders, emergency personnel and volunteers deserve a huge vote of thanks for the work they continue to undertake ensuring our Shire gets back on its feet as soon as possible.”
For matters involving serious or life threatening emergencies phone the Triple Zero (000) hotline.
For flood and storm assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
To contact Wingecarribee Shire Council phone 4868 0888, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au or email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au.