Receding floodwaters signal start of roads recovery

1 December, 2021

The receding floodwater is revealing significant damage to Gunnedah Shire’s bridges, roads, footpaths, parks, sporting grounds, causeways and other infrastructure.

Gunnedah Shire Council crews are working tirelessly to attend to damage and allow roads to re-open, but due to the high volume of requests, it will be a long process, and Council is calling for people to remain patient.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the damage to the road network was likely to be significant.

“We are asking for people to be patient as we assess the few thousand kilometres of road that make up Gunnedah Shire’s network,” Mr Bartlett said.

“A huge volume of water has swept over the roads during this natural disaster, and we are working to assess the damage, ensure the immediate safety of our road users, and repair roads as they dry out. This will be a long process, and it will take weeks and in some cases, months.

“We are looking to prioritise roads that have heavy use.

“We would like to thank those who have already reported potential hazards caused by flooding. That information is useful when it is hard for us to reach locations that are isolated.

“If you know of a road that has been damaged, please contact our Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 or [email protected]. All requests will be recorded, prioritised and responded to.

Please also keep this information in mind over the coming days and weeks: • Observe road closure signage and do not attempt to drive on closed roads. You may be liable for any damage caused to the road or to your vehicle. • Road conditions are subject to change without warning and drivers should travel with caution. Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. • Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet and only essential journeys should be undertaken until these roads dry out.

Other helpful information and contacts: • Flood emergency assistance - State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500. • Local road closures - Gunnedah Shire Council: (02) 67402100 or https://bit.ly/3nR9Bv2 • Live Traffic NSW: livetraffic.com • Stormwater drainage information – https://bit.ly/3oOG1FV • Rural animal and livestock assistance – Local Land Services: lls.nsw.gov.au • Gunnedah Police: (02) 67429099 • For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000) immediately • Local Land Services 1300 795 299

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council are assessing road damage as the floodwaters recede.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.