Flood recovery
In March 2021, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA was impacted by a natural disaster described as being a 1-in-100-year flood event. This was followed by further flooding in November 2021, March 2022 and again in July 2022. Across these four events, we have recorded over 1,000 damaged locations, some of which were impacted in every one of these natural disasters.
A significant amount of work has gone into securing State and Federal Government funding to return our region to its pre-flood state. The chart to the right shows the proportion of damages already addressed, awaiting resources and awaiting funding for each of the flood events. While we continue to progress those projects with funding agreements in place, we are also working closely with Transport for NSW, Public Works Advisory and the Office of Local Government to secure funding for the outstanding repairs.
All emergency works and 34% of permanent repairs have been completed. To date, the recovery efforts have cost just over $27.8 million, with a further $60 million estimated for the longer-term repairs.
Planning will continue to ensure works are undertaken as quickly as possible. Priorities are based on public safety, road hierarchy, funding approvals and efficiency of works. The chart on the left shows the funding we have obtained for all flood recovery works and our overall progress, based on the number of damage locations recorded.
The map below shows all recorded flood damages and their current status.
Embankment repairs
The most significant damage in our region is as a result of landslips. We have over 100 slips which have impacted our road network, these repairs are estimated to cost around $30 million. Further information on our embankment projects can be accessed below.
Comboyne Road
Funding has been obtained from TfNSW through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to address three major embankment slips along Comboyne Road. All works, including significant upslope and downslope excavation, installation of rock bolts and mesh, stormwater works, road pavement works and construction of a shotcrete reinforced wall, have now been completed and Comboyne Road has been reopened.
Priority Embankment Slips
Public Works Advisory has been engaged to manage remediation works for five priority embankment locations:
- Bulli Creek Road
- Captain Cook Bicentennial Drive
- Costigans Road
- Pembrooke Road
- Toms Creek Road
Funding has been obtained from TfNSW through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to address these damages. Works are currently underway on Pembrooke and Bulli Creek Roads, with the entire package of works expected to be complete by the end of the 2025 financial year.
The images below show some of the slips on each of the roads listed above.
Remaining Soil Nail Repairs
Public Works Advisory has been engaged to manage remediation works for the remaining embankment locations requiring soil nail treatment (15 sites).
Funding has been obtained from TfNSW through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to address these damages. A contractor has been engaged and works will commence prior to the end of 2024.
The following images show some of the slips on Black Creek Road, Colling Road, Ducks Ridge Road, Forbes River Road, Innes View Road, Kindee Road, Lighthouse Road, Lorne Road and Pappinbarra Road to be addressed.
Rock Fill and Scaling Works
We have a further 62 embankment slips across the LGA of more minor nature which can be addressed through scaling or rock armouring. Due to the sheer number of slips to be addressed, we anticipate these works will take around two years to complete.
Funding has been obtained from TfNSW through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to address these damages. A number of locations requiring scaling have been completed, with rock fill works now underway.
The following images show some of the slips to be addressed on Algona Road, Costigans Road, Hannam Vale Road, North Branch Road and Pipeclay Road and a sample of our completed scaling works on Bago Road, Lighthouse Road, Lorne Road and Stage Coach Road.
Ennis Road
Funding has been approved for the restoration of Ennis Road under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Emergency works were completed to repair a number of embankment failures along the road in 2021. Longer-term restoration works are currently underway.
The following images show the initial damage caused by the March 2021 flood event and some of the emergency works completed to date.
Rocks Ferry Embankment Restoration
The Rocks Ferry Embankment Restoration project will involve extensive work to restore the riverbank and protect the reserve, in turn providing protection for parks, roads, footpaths, and riverbank assets. These efforts are vital to ensuring the area’s long-term resilience and preserving its current footprint.
The Rocks Ferry Embankment Restoration is funded under the Department of Regional NSW Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program (CLIRP).
Works are expected to commence in February 2025. Due to the nature of these works, there will be restricted access to the Rocks Ferry boat ramp for the duration of the project.
Priority bridge repairs
Significant damage was sustained to numerous bridges across the LGA. Initial investigations have indicated that the following bridges require major repair or replacement.
Kindee Bridge
Funding has been obtained from TfNSW through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to address flood damage at Kindee Bridge. Council plans to undertake these works in conjunction with planned maintenance work at the bridge. Further information will be provided once funding has been approved and we can begin to formally schedule works.
Dunbogan Bridge
Funding has been obtained from TfNSW through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to address damage at Dunbogan Bridge. Underwater investigations and concept design have been completed to confirm the scope of works. Further details will be provided as the project progresses.
Stoney Creek Bridge
Stoney Creek Bridge was destroyed by the March 2021 flood event and a temporary bridge was installed to ensure public safety and reinstate access. Further information on the construction of a permanent bridge will be provided as the project progresses.
The following images show the damage sustained at Stoney Creek Bridge during the March 2021 flood event and the emergency works completed to reinstate access.
Recreational Assets
Many of our parks and recreational assets have been impacted by flooding over the past two years. The most significant of these was the destruction of Rocks Ferry Reserve. As these works draw to a close, we are refocusing our efforts on restoring damages of varying scale (minor furniture repairs to large scale restoration works) all of which take time to plan, manage and construct and we thank the public for their patience while we work through the technical aspects of these challenging projects.
Some of our larger scale recreational projects are included below, with more to be scheduled once funding has been confirmed.
North Hibbard Jetty
Funding has been approved through the NSW Government Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to remove and replace North Hibbard Jetty which has been unusable since the March 2021 flood event.
The removal of the damaged structure is now complete and construction works have commenced. Installation of the timber piles will be completed prior to the Christmas break, with construction completion scheduled for early 2025.
Settlement Point Reserve
Embankment restoration and protection works at Settlement Point Reserve will undertaken in the first half of 2025. The restoration of Settlement Point Reserve Embankment has been jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
- Construction of sandstone block retaining wall
- Construction of rock revetment bank
- Reclamation of reserve footprint
- New mangrove planting
- Installation of a canoe ramp, stair way and accessible ramp for improved access to the waterway
- Construction of a wide footpath linking the carpark, playground and access ramp
During the project, sections of the reserve and car park will be temporarily closed to allow for the delivery of machinery and materials. Access to the boatshed will be maintained, however reserve usage will be limited. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Hibbard Drive Groynes
Restoration of the Hibbard Drive groynes will be undertaken in the first half of 2025. These works are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Repairs at Hibbard Drive groynes will include reconstruction of the rock armour profile, and levelling/stabilisation of the upper concrete layer.
The works require the delivery of machinery and materials to the works site, via Hibbard Drive. Sections of the carpark and public reserve will be closed during the works. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Norrie Reserve, Kendall - Play space relocation
Norrie Reserve in Kendall was significantly impacted by the March 2021 flood event. This reserve is classified as a flood zone for the 1 in 20-year flood event meaning there is a 5% risk of reoccurring flood events per year. The play space currently sits within an area identified as a floodway (shown in red on the aerial image shown below). A floodway is defined as an area of a floodplain where a significant discharge of floodwater occurs during floods. In general, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Flood Policy does not support development within a floodway for the following reasons:
- the high potential to redirect flows and impact others;
- the high potential danger to personal safety; and,
- significant financial losses due to the damage potential.
It was therefore determined for the play space within this reserve to be retired when the equipment reaches the end of its useful life. The funding previously nominated to upgrade the play space at Norrie Reserve will be redistributed and added to the budget of a new play space within Kendall Village Green. This area is just a short walk from Norrie Reserve (approximately 300m) and is outside of the area mapped as flood risk.
Bunny’s Corner, North Haven - Play space relocation
Bunny’s Corner play space in North Haven was significantly impacted by the March 2021 flood event. This reserve is classified as a flood zone for the 1 in 20-year flood event meaning there is a 5% risk of reoccurring flood events per year. The play space currently sits within an area identified as a floodway (shown in red on the aerial image below). A floodway is defined as an area of a floodplain where a significant discharge of floodwater occurs during floods. In general, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Flood Policy does not support development within a floodway for the following reasons:
- the high potential to redirect flows and impact others
- the high potential danger to personal safety
- significant financial losses due to the damage potential.
It was therefore determined for the play space within this reserve to be retired when the equipment reaches the end of its useful life. The funding previously nominated to upgrade the playground at Bunny’s Corner will be redistributed to the construction of a new play space within Riverview Reserve. This area is just a short walk from Bunny’s Corner (approximately 350m) and is outside of the area mapped as a floodway.
While the new site remains susceptible to flooding, it falls within the flood storage zone (shown in green on the aerial image below) rather than the floodway. Notably, the ground elevation at this site is 1.5 meters higher than the previous location, resulting in significantly reduced water flow velocity during flood events.
Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope - Play space relocation
Rocks Ferry Reserve in Wauchope was significantly impacted by the March 2021 flood event. This reserve is classified as a flood zone for the 1 in 20-year flood event meaning there is a 5% risk of reoccurring flood events per year. The play space currently sits within an area identified as a floodway (shown in red on the aerial image below). A floodway is defined as an area of a floodplain where a significant discharge of floodwater occurs during floods. In general, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Flood Policy does not support development within a floodway for the following reasons:
- the high potential to redirect flows and impact others
- the high potential danger to personal safety
- significant financial losses due to the damage potential.
It was therefore determined for the play space within this reserve to be retired when the equipment reaches the end of its useful life. The funding previously nominated to upgrade the play space at Rocks Ferry Reserve will be redistributed to the construction of a new play space within Old Park next to the Wauchope Swimming Pool. This area is outside of the area mapped as flood risk.
