Council counting the cost of rain event

Published on 18 February 2020

With the rain easing, Byron Shire Council staff are continuing to respond to problems caused by the recent rain, including inspecting the condition of roads, bridges and drains.

In the seven days from 7 February to 13 February, official gauges recorded 614mm at the Cape Byron Lighthouse and 535.8mm at Mullumbimby.

This amount of rain has done significant damage to Council infrastructure, the cost of which is currently being assessed.

Cameron Clark, Byron Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said it will be some weeks before the cost of the natural disaster is realised.

“The rain has caused significant damage to roads and we are patching potholes as a priority as weather permits,” Mr Clark said.

“People need to be aware of the potential for land slips and while our staff are out checking if people do notice something I urge them to contact Council.

“The amount of rain put extraordinary pressure on our sewerage treatment plants and we are continuing to work through some of these problems, and people in Mullumbimby also experienced problems,” he said.

“We are aware of this historic problem in Mullumbimby and the inflow and infiltration project we started last year (2019) aims to resolve some of these drainage issues,” Mr Clark said.

After a short closure last week, the Resource Recovery Centre is now open for business again.  

All Byron Shire residents are invited to take advantage of free green waste disposal at the Council’s Resource Recovery Centre until 4pm, Wednesday 26 February.  Residents who experienced property damage as a result of the recent severe weather event may be eligible for free household waste disposal at the Resource Recovery Centre.  To find out more call the Resource Recovery Hotline on 1300 652 625 or visit Byron Resource Recovery Centre on our website.

Given the large amount of rain and associated stormwater run-off people are warned to stay out of rivers, creeks and flooded areas.

The Byron Shire is one of 56 local government areas in NSW that have been declared natural disaster areas and Council will be able to receive financial help to cover the costs to repair damaged roads and infrastructure.

Eligible residents, businesses and community groups will also be able to apply for assistance as a result of the disaster declaration.  

This could include:

For more information about disaster assistance:

For media enquiries, contact Council’s Manager Open Spaces and Resource Recovery, Michael Matthews on 02 6626 7156.

Photo credit: Arnaya