Wollondilly Resilient Once Again after Torrential Storm

The Wollondilly Shire was inundated with torrential rain over the weekend, with flash flooding causing numerous road closures and Picton bracing itself for a possible repeat of the 2016 storm event.

The Sydney basin received a third of its annual rainfall in just four days and recorded its heaviest rain in 30 years, with parts of Picton receiving over 200mm. As Stonequarry Creek approached its tipping point on Sunday afternoon, local emergency services and Council staff attended the scene to prepare property and make sure residents were safely evacuated.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “Recent events have shown that we have an extremely resilient community in Wollondilly.”

“In a time of extreme rainfall, it was wonderful to see everyone working together over the weekend and again during the clean-up on Monday morning.” Despite thorough preparations by the SES and Council including removing debris from the creek, approximately 20 properties in Argyle Street and Menangle Street West were damaged to varying degrees, including the King George IV Inn and St Mark’s Church.

Mayor Deeth said, “Although we are thankful the impact on the town was significantly less than it was in 2016, we recognise that some places have been hit hard and people will need support to fully recover.”

The Mayoral Relief Fund is available for those who need financial assistance in the coming weeks. Application forms are available on Council’s website and at the front counter of the Menangle Street Administration Building.

Council crews will continue to monitor water on local roads and repair damage for the safety of motorists as the clean-up continues.