Storm clean up begins anew

Published on 16 March 2022

* Harris Street (between Wills Street and Burke Street) is currently closed after floods washed away large sections of bitumen. Repairs are expected to be completed by Friday afternoon.

Council staff are again facing a massive clean up of the city after yesterday's heavy rain.

Broken Hill received at least 72mm of rain throughout the afternoon, although some locals have reported as much as 140mm.

The heavy downfall caused widespread flooding, road damage, and washed large amounts of silt and debris into the streets.

Council's General Manager, Jay Nankivell, said the flooding came at a particularly bad time for Council's outdoor crews.

"Our staff have been working tirelessly since the previous storm to try and get the streets back to normal, and unfortunately this flood basically puts them back to square one," he said.

"Again we'd just ask the public to let us know about any areas that need urgent attention so we can flag it with our work crews."

Mayor Tom Kennedy praised the work of Council staff and emergency services, and urged locals to have patience as the clean up takes place.

"This is the second time we've had a significant storm event in recent weeks, and I just want to commend Council staff and emergency services crews for their response on both occasions," said Mayor Kennedy.

"They've been working night and day to help those affected and clean up in the aftermath of the storms, and I'm sure I speak on behalf of the community in saying that their efforts are deeply appreciated.

"I'd also encourage residents to be patient as Council staff work to clean up the streets in the coming weeks.

"We hadn't even finished cleaning up and undertaking repairs from the last storm and unfortunately we've been hit again."

Residents are advised that the Library is closed until at least March 17 due to flooding.

Harris Street (between Wills Street and Burke Street) is also closed due to flood damage. Repairs are expected to be completed by Friday afternoon.