Flooding causes more than $427,000 in damage to roads, infrastructure and assets

Council staff have completed an assessment of the damage around the region following flooding across the weekend of 7-9 August.

More than $427,000 in damage occurred to roads, parks and infrastructure following the flooding, resulting in the declaration of a natural disaster zone for the Yass Valley. 125 millimetres of rain was recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology for Yass Valley over the period from Friday, 7 August to Sunday, 9 August. Floodwaters caused the Yass Dam water level to reach 2.45m above Full Supply Level and resulted in the closure of some 25 roads and crossings in the Local Government Area.

A number of these roads sustained damage to culverts and with potholes forming as a result of the downpour. There was significant damage to Shingle Hill Way, where approximately 100m of sealed pavement was washed away, Murrumbateman Road, Sutton Road Crossing and East Tallagandra Lane. The total cost of damage to the local road network is in excess of $248,000 and still climbing with problems arising from the continued rainfall in the weeks following the flood event. The current cost of damage to regional roads is more than $42, 000.

Floodwaters broke the banks of the Yass River and covered the play equipment, BBQs and tables and chairs at Riverbank Park. The Recreational Vehicle Area and roadway at the bottom of Joe O’Connor Park also sustained significant damage. The combined parks and gardens damage bill totals $137, 700.

“Thank you to our local SES volunteers and the staff of Council who worked right across the weekend of 7-9 August in difficult conditions to close roads and crossings, evacuate livestock and vehicles, and keep residents safe and informed,” said Mayor Rowena Abbey.

“Due to the significant amount of damage sustained from the flooding and the subsequent disruption to Council’s grading schedule following the event, we will be putting in a claim for disaster assistance funding for this repair work.”

Following the heavy rain within the Yass Dam water supply catchment, Council in conjunction with NSW Health had to introduce a Boil Water Alert for Yass, Binalong and Bowning. The flood waters caused raw water to become extremely turbid (not clear or transparent because of stirred-up sediment) and compromised the effectiveness of the treatment process. The Yass Water Treatment Plant was brought back under control and the Boil Water Alert was withdrawn at 5pm on Thursday, 20 August.

“The key challenge at the existing Water Treatment Plant is a high sediment load. The existing Water Treatment Plant is not designed to effectively address these challenges. A new plant will significantly reduce the potential for any future problems,” said Mayor Abbey.

“Council is working with specialist consultants engaged to prepare a detailed design and Business Case for construction of an upgraded Water Treatment Plant. This work is expected to be completed by early 2021. Current study will support future construction works, subject to availability of subsidy funding.”

Yass Dam sustained bank erosion and damage to pipes and equipment in the flood, the cost of which is yet be determined.

26 August 2020

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