The NSW Blue Mountains region has been declared a Natural Disaster Area, with Blue Mountains City Council urging residents to exercise extreme caution and minimise their movements around the area.
In a statement, Council said the Blue Mountains was experiencing a range of significant issues, from road closures, to fallen trees, and ongoing flooding.
“The Council and I are urging everyone to limit movements and to be extremely careful if you need to move around. The risks are very real, and very high. Be aware of falling trees – the immense amount of rain that has fallen has softened the ground considerably,” said Mayor, Mark Greenhill.
“This is the third major storm and flood event we’ve experienced in as many years, and it is taking its toll on our natural environment, our infrastructure, and on our community.
“Being added to the Natural Disaster Areas list is a good thing. It opens doors to resources and support mechanisms that will be vital to managing the crisis, and in the clean up to follow.
“I’d also strongly encourage everyone to make use of the new Emergency Dashboard Council launched at the end of last year. It’s a brilliant resource designed to provide local, up to the minute information during these kinds of events.”
He said a number of Council facilities were experiencing water leaks and damage as a result of the continued rainfall.
The area’s Blackheath Library is closed until further notice due to significant water damage.
A large number of outdoor works and projects have also been halted due to the extreme weather. This includes mowing and sports ground maintenance, and park upgrades and works. Burials are also on hold, the Mayor said.
“Our outdoor crews are doing checks of locations to ensure there is no dangerous trees or debris. We are only making things safe at the moment, and some things we can’t fix until the weather clears.”
“Council’s ongoing projects and upgrade works will also be impacted by this event and the clean-up effort that will follow. The damage across the LGA from the storms and flooding is significant, and Council resources will be stretched beyond capacity to get things back to working order and safe for the community.
“I know it’s endlessly frustrating for the community to be told Council projects and works will be delayed, and I assure you it’s as frustrating for the Council staff who work so hard on those projects.
“But repairs and safety come first, they take time, and come at a substantial cost. So I am once again asking our incredible community for their understanding and patience as we work to repair our roads and infrastructure moving forward,” Mayor Greenhill said.
