Diary of a rain event

It’s been a wild week of wet and woolly weather across the state and the clean up continues as debris is pushed into our waterways and onto our beaches. Here’s some observations from the many Council teams involved over the last week

There sure was a lot of rain!

We all said it at some point over the weekend and our Middle Creek rain gauge backed us up. We saw over 300mm over four days which is about a third of the rainfall Sydney sees in a whole year.

Prep work is critical but can’t prevent every incident

When forecasts last week confirmed huge rainfall was on the way, teams were out checking and clearing drains, preparing lagoon entrances and standing crews up for urgent call-outs across the weekend.

We formed our Incident Management Team to oversee all activities and make sure we had the right people available at the right time to manage any issues.

Although all lagoons were opened to reduce the risk of flooding on Thursday and Friday, we were also fortunate that less intense rainfall and smaller tides and swell conditions meant we avoided another major flood event of the likes that hit Narrabeen last year.

Working together gets stuff done

We responded to hundreds of call-outs across the wet weekend to help address localised flooding, collapsed retaining walls, rockfalls, downed tree branches and major road damage.

We backed up the incredible SES volunteers when they needed us, and worked in partnership with police and other agencies to prioritise public safety.

And thanks to the many local volunteer groups also out doing their bit to help with the cleanup efforts.

It’s surprising what the tide brings in

It’s been all hands on deck since the rain stopped for the clean up as the prevailing winds wash debris and other materials from the Hawkesbury into Pittwater and the ocean and on to our beaches.

We’ve removed petrol drums, gas cylinders, a spa, car tyres, fallen trees, fence posts, telegraph poles and even a sheep carcase. The amount of debris has required the deployment of front end loaders, backhoes, bobcats and trucks to numerous beaches, with the worst-hit areas being Palm, Whale and Collaroy beaches.

Where we can, teams are sorting materials and taking it to be recycled and ensuring hazardous materials are disposed of appropriately.

It’s a big job and we are asking residents to be patient as we complete the work.

Not a great time for swimming or boating

Did we mention floating sheep carcasses, fallen trees and oil drums? Water quality is not the best following any major rainfall but this one is a doozy, in addition to the many navigational hazards floating in our waterways. Please check Beachwatch before you go in the water and NSW Maritime advise against boating activities at this time.

You can help those worse off

Our community has been pretty lucky this time but there are many people across the state who need help. You can make a donation to the Red Cross NSW Flood Appeal, Vinnies Flood Appeal, or Food Bank, or through GIVIT.

Handy links

Report a fallen tree, debris or other issue.

Customer service: 1300 434 434

Beachwatch

SES

NSW Maritime