2022 Floods

Byron Shire Flood Recovery Update – Thursday 10 March 2022

Published

3 years ago

11 March 2022

JeffG

Advertisements

Byron Shire Flood Recovery Update – Thursday 10 March 2022

There’s no quick recovery from a flood like we experienced last week and the hard work continues for our community.

Council’s teams are working flat out on getting road access to places like Wilsons Creek, Main Arm, Huonbrook and Wanganui and the Australian Defence Force is working with us to get this happening which is terrific news.

In particular we are asking that only essential traffic travel on Wilsons Creek Road tomorrow and across the weekend. We are preparing the road so we can get the excavators and trucks up there on Monday.

Collection of flood-damaged waste continues. It’s a slow process but we’re making good and visible progress.

While we still ask that residents use the additional skip bins that have been provided around the shire for flood waste where possible, the good news is that the Resource Recovery Centre at Myocum will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am – 11:30am.

Large trucks will still be in operation at the tip, so we ask for your patience and to exercise caution when moving amongst heavy vehicles. Proof of address is required if claiming flood waste.

A REMINDER that the Mullumbimby Farmers Market is not on this week (Friday 11 March).

Mullumbimby Recovery Centre

If you, or anyone you know, has been impacted by the floods, please go and find out about the range of services and help available to you at Resilience NSW’s dedicated Flood Recovery Centre at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall in Dalley Street.

Face-to-face support is available from a range of different agencies and the centre is open 7 days from 8.30am until 5pm.

You might feel that you don’t need these services because there a lot of people worse off than you.

We are hearing that many people feel this way. But the Mullumbimby Recovery Centre is there for everyone, and it really is worth going and having a chat in this safe and welcoming space. Please use all the great help and services now on offer.

Waste and Clean-up Information and Schedule

A reminder to keep cars off the streets as much as possible, or the trucks can’t pick up your waste.
Please put small items and any food waste in your wheelie bins to make the clean-up process quicker. Wheelie bins are getting collected as per normal unless access is restricted.
We encourage residents to continue using the additional skip bins for flood waste. There are bins located at:
“Salad Bowl” – Brunswick Valley Way / North end of Orana Rd Ocean Shores
Mullumbimby netball courts carpark – Byron St Mullumbimby
Kohinur Hall – Upper Main Arm
Palmwoods Rd – at junction of Main Arm Rd, Upper main arm Rd and Palmwoods Rd
Left Bank Rd Mullumbimby – approximately 760 Left Bank Rd
A sixth location at Upper Wilsons Creek will be added once access safe access is established. We’re hoping this will be early next week.

Remember that asbestos needs to be dealt with by a licensed contractor. Photos and advice on what asbestos might look like can be found at Around the home | Asbestos (nsw.gov.au)

Clean Up Crews

Kerbside clean up crews are scheduled to come through the following areas Thursday, Friday and Monday:
Mullumbimby (north and south of Argyle St, Nightcap Crt, Cassia Crt, Rush Crt, Left Bank Rd)
New Brighton (North Head Rd, Pacific St, New Brighton Rd)
South Golden Beach (beginning with Beech and Gloria Streets)
Ocean Shores (northern end Orana Rd and areas around Waterlilly Park)
North Ocean Shores
While most contractors will take a break over the weekend, some will continue if possible and may be assisted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Roads and bridges

Council crews are continuing to work hard on solutions to restore access to several of our flood-impacted hinterland communities.

Wilsons Creek

Please avoid travel on Wilsons Creek Road tomorrow. Essential traffic only.

Council will be joined by Australian Defence Force crews and will be preparing Wilsons Creek Road for excavator and truck access on Monday.

Work will continue over the weekend so that we can get machines to a large washed-out area which is preventing access further up the valley.

Main Arm and Williams Bridge

We kicked off work to restore access at Williams Bridge yesterday and it’s full steam ahead today, despite the rain. We’re hoping to have these bridge works completed in the next few weeks.

Huonbrook and Huonbrook Valley

We’re working with ADF teams to clear the road into Huonbrook which has been impacted by significant landslides.

Survey control points are being established for slips at Huonbrook and Federal to monitor any potential ongoing movement.

Geotechnical test-drilling will start at Huonbrook next week and Council will secure drilling services to move on to Federal and other slips systematically.

Upper Coopers Creek – Englishes bridge

We’re making good progress on Englishes bridge too! Our plan is to establish a temporary crossing first, to provide safe access for the community. Then we’ll be replacing the current bridge. You’ll see our crews and contractors on the ground next week working on the temporary crossing.

Report It, Report It, Report It

Thank you to everyone who has been able to report road damage via the Report It tab on Council’s website.

Every piece of information has made a big difference. Please continue reporting any road damage you see – be as specific a as possible. Pin-point the locality or provide a street address, and send a photo if you can.

Please remember that smaller-scale damage reports will be lower down the repair priority list than those posing significant safety and access issues, so will take longer for the crews to get to.

Please avoid sight-seeing as it has been hampering operations.

People should continue to be careful driving around the Shire and check Live Traffic or the map on Council’s emergency dashboard.

Locating plans and information for flood-impacted properties

If you need to find plans and information for insurance purposes for flood impacted buildings or structures on your property, there are two options available:

Buildings approved from 2018 onwards
If the building or structure was approved and constructed from 2018 onwards, the information may be available online on Council’s Application Tracker.

Select ‘Search’ from the menu and enter the property details.

If you need assistance contact Council’s Development Support Officers 02 6626 7025.

If there is no information on the Application Tracker, refer to Option 2 to make an application to access informal information.

Buildings approved before 2018
If the building or structure was approved and constructed before 2018, apply to Council to access informal information.

Accessing Council information

If you need assistance contact Council’s Records Officers on 02 6626 7000.

Food businesses

Food businesses need to be aware that any food, food surfaces and cooking utensils that have come into contact with floodwater might be contaminated.

Use only drinking-quality (potable) water for activities on food premises such as washing up or rinsing.

Do not salvage canned food for resale.

Ensure that discarded food cannot be collected by member of the public.

Cleaning and sanitising food utensils, food contact surfaces and other surfaces

If your business or home has been flooded, or you’re helping others with the clean-up, here are some helpful tips:

Carefully check dishes, pots, pans, cutlery and kitchen equipment that may have been in contact with floodwater.
Throw away damaged or cracked items made from porous material such as wood, plastic or rubber including wooden chopping boards as they cannot be adequately cleaned and sanitised.
Wash utensils and surfaces in hot, soapy, drinking quality water. Take apart and clean the non-electrical pieces of any kitchen equipment that can be safely taken apart and rinse in hot water.
Sanitise silverware, metal utensils, pots, plans and kitchen equipment in pieces by placing into boiling water for 10 mins.
Sanitise dishes, glass, porcelain, china and enamel ware by placing in sanitising solution for 10 mins. You can make this yourself:
Add 25ml of 4% non-fragranced household chlorine bleach to 5 litres of cold water.
Rinse with drinking-quality water.
To clean cupboards and counters:
Wipe down with hot soapy water
Sanitise with a 200ppm chlorine bleach solution (before storing dishes or food).
Finally, it is best to air dry all the items you’re cleaning (in case towels have been splashed with contaminated water).

Find out more from the NSW Food Authority website.

Contact Council’s Environmental Health Officers on 6626 7107 for further information.

Health Tips

Go to Council’s website for important information on:

mould
rainwater tanks
septic systems
swimming pools
mosquitoes and increased danger after floods
Water quality on beaches, creeks and swimming holes

Domestic Animals

We are aware that many animals have been displaced because of the flood event.Council’s pound is currently full. If you need temporary accommodation for your companion animal(s) you can contact Council for providers that may be able to assist.

Cavanbah Centre

The Cavanbah Centre is operating as usual from 8am – 6pm, 7 days per week. It is also offering hot showers to people who have been out assisting with recovery operations.

Open Spaces and Playgrounds

Playgrounds should be avoided until safety checks have been completed over this week.

Bangalow Sportsfields, and the Bob Bellear Sportsfields in Ocean Shores, have reopened.

Grants and Government Financial Assistance

For the Australian Government Disaster Relief Payment and the Disaster Recovery Payment and to find out what you are eligible for:

Call Services Australia on 180 22 66.
Services Australia website
myGov website.
Service NSW website (including Storm and flood assistance for businesses | Service NSW)

Council Services

Because some staff have been impacted by the floods our Customer Service Centre at the Mullumbimby office is operating at reduced hours this week.

The Customer Service Centre is open from 12pm – 4pm daily.
Staff are available on the phone from 8:30am – 4:30pm
Email council@byron.nsw.gov.au
Report non-urgent requests online using Report It
For after-hours emergencies call 02 6622 7022

There are also Council staff available at the Flood Recovery Centre at the Civic Hall in Mullumbimby.

For the latest information on Council services go to our website (www.byron.nsw.gov.au) or our Facebook page.

Byron Shire’s Emergency Dashboard also has links to the SES, BOM and road closure information.

Advertisements

Up Next

GSAC Evacuation Centre to close from today

Don't Miss

Flood relief support

2022 Floods

Resilient Lismore Urges Flood-Affected Residents to Access Repair to Return Project

Published

3 months ago

30 August 2024

Liam

Resilient Lismore Repair to Return Project

Advertisements

Resilient Lismore Urges Flood-Affected Residents to Access Repair to Return Project

By Robert Heyward

Resilient Lismore is proud to announce the ongoing success of the Repair to Return Project, a vital initiative aimed at supporting homeowners devastated by the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and landslides. This project, supported by the NSW Government, the Diocese of Lismore, the Winsome Soup Kitchen, and the Rotary Club of Goonellabah, has already restored over 600 homes to safe, secure, and liveable conditions—all at no cost to the homeowners. Now, Resilient Lismore is calling on more members of the Northern Rivers community to seek assistance through this program.

Elly Bird, Executive Director of Resilient Lismore, is urging residents still living in flood-damaged homes across the Northern Rivers to reach out for help. “It’s been more than two years since the 2022 floods, and many people are still living in affected homes while trying to carry on with their daily lives. We are deeply committed to partnering with homeowners to understand their individual needs and assist them on their recovery journeys,” Bird said.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every flood-affected home in the region is safe and liveable. That’s why I’m encouraging anyone in need to get in touch with us. We’re dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient Northern Rivers,” she added.

The Repair to Return Project, formerly known as the Two Rooms Project, mobilises professional tradespeople and trained volunteers to restore flood-affected homes using flood-resilient materials.

The comprehensive range of services offered includes:

Reinstating bathrooms and kitchens
Electrical support
Re-sheeting walls
Installing or repairing stairs for safe access
Repairing or replacing floors
Providing lockable windows and doors

In addition to these core services, Resilient Lismore also offers tools and equipment, assistance in sourcing furniture and whitegoods, and referrals to community services such as mental health support, legal assistance, and financial counselling.

One local resident, Carlie Daley from East Lismore, was among those who benefited from the program. With no insurance and ineligible for grants or the home buyback program, Carlie faced an uncertain future until she connected with Resilient Lismore. The organization helped her restore parts of her kitchen, install a new bathroom, and replace damaged glass. “I had no money, so Resilient Lismore really came to my rescue. I’m so thankful because I wanted to live in my house with my kids—they go to school locally, and this is their home,” Carlie said.

“It’s been a challenge to ask for help, but once you realise you’ve got your kids to think about, you find that Resilient Lismore makes it really easy. They’re one of the best sources of help out there, and they’re coming from a place of genuine community support,” she added.

Resilient Lismore is also encouraging local businesses to contribute to the recovery efforts. The organisation welcomes donations of fridges, washing machines, new or near-new bedding and towels, and monetary funds.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. By coming together, we can help our neighbour’s and strengthen our communities,” Bird emphasised.

Their Stories

Carlie Daley, East Lismore
Carlie Daley, whose family has lived in the region for six generations, bought a house in East Lismore a year before the floods. As a single parent with two children, she had experienced floods before but didn’t anticipate her home being affected given its location. “I bought the house based on where the 1974 flood lines were, and even my dad, who has been through a few floods, thought I’d be fine,” Carlie explained.

On the morning of 28 February 2022, at approximately 6 am, Carlie heard loud banging outside her house. When she opened her front door to investigate, water came streaming into her living room. The water rose to waist height rapidly, and Carlie and her children decided to evacuate. “Everything was floating in the house—it was not good,” Carlie recalled. “I managed to flag down a guy in a boat, and he took us out to Wyrallah Road one by one.”

After spending several months with family, Carlie returned to her home. With no insurance or access to the home buyback program, Carlie sought help from Resilient Lismore, who restored parts of her kitchen, replaced broken glass, and installed a new bathroom. “I had no money, so Resilient Lismore really came to the rescue. I’m so thankful because I wanted to live in my house with the kids—this is their home,” Carlie said.

Duran, Woodburn
Before 2022, Duran had never experienced a flood. When he heard about the impending flood in Woodburn, he packed a bag and left with his dog. After spending 11 days in emergency accommodation, Duran returned to find his home extensively damaged. “The scene was horrendous; it smelled like a pig farm. There was nothing you could do; you couldn’t blame anyone,” Duran said.

Many of Duran’s belongings were unsalvageable, doors and windows were broken, there was no electricity, and a large tree had crashed through his house. “I ended up putting together a makeshift kitchen and had access to a shower and toilet underneath the house. I was quoted over $25,000 to rewire the electricals, so that put me off doing anything for a while,” Duran explained.

Introduced to Resilient Lismore, Duran experienced an almost immediate transformation. After an initial visit, Resilient Lismore returned a week later with supplies, and a local construction business fitted his house with a brand-new kitchen and bathroom. “What Resilient Lismore did was amazing; there is no way in a million years I would have been able to do what they did. It has also allowed my son to come and live with me, which has been wonderful,” Duran said.

Susan, Lismore
Susan lived alone in her idyllic riverfront home, which provided everything she needed—until the 2022 floods caused significant damage to her property. With COVID-19 rampant, Susan moved between emergency accommodations and stayed with friends. When she tried to return to her home, the emotional toll proved overwhelming. “I went back a few times, but every time I tried, I burst into tears,” Susan said.

She began receiving counselling and eventually stayed with her son in Queensland for a period. When Susan returned to Lismore several months later, she connected with Social Futures, who informed her about Resilient Lismore. Initially hesitant to accept help, Susan was moved by the support she received. “I was brought up not to ask for help, so when Resilient Lismore immediately came around with tradespeople, I had nothing but tears of gratitude,” she said.

Within a few months, Resilient Lismore, with the help of tradespeople, built a new deck and stairs, added state-of-the-art dekkoplus wall cladding, and installed a new kitchen and bathroom. Susan hopes others living in flood-affected homes will reach out to Resilient Lismore. “The staff from Resilient Lismore were respectful and kind. I was scared and overwhelmed, but getting in touch with Resilient Lismore motivated and inspired me to move forward with my recovery,” she said.

About Resilient Lismore
Resilient Lismore is a registered charity and community-based organisation that was formed following the 2017 floods in Lismore, NSW. Powered by volunteers, the organisation supports Northern Rivers residents in rebuilding their lives by connecting them with qualified tradespeople, volunteer help, and essential recovery services.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

Advertisements

2022 Floods

$928,350 GRANT AWARDED TO CLEAN REMAINING FLOOD WASTE

Published

4 months ago

7 August 2024

Liam

Flood Clean-up Grant given to Lismore City Council.

Advertisements

$928,350 GRANT AWARDED TO CLEAN REMAINING FLOOD WASTE

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin has announced that the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has awarded Lismore City Council a grant of $928,350. This is to support the ongoing 2022 flood clean-up and recovery work.

“Natural disaster clean-up and recovery is a long-term process. Those with experience of disaster recovery will know that bulky and contaminated waste often remains for some time after the initial clean-up.

“Often this waste isn’t revealed until way down the recovery track so this money is very timely.

“The council has been awarded the grant under Round 2 of the EPA’s Illegal Dumping and Flood Waste Recovery Program, which is designed to help public authorities resolve flood waste issues remaining after the initial clean-up phase, including illegally dumped flood waste and bulky flood waste.

“Lismore City Council will use the grant money to safely remove and dispose of residual fragments of flood waste containing asbestos. The clean-up works will be project managed by the council using specially trained local contractors and are expected to be completed in 2025.

“Significant amounts of hazardous debris were generated by severe flooding events that inundated the Northern Rivers in the early months of 2022.

“The EPA has led several clean-up and recovery programs in the region to ensure waste left behind following the floods is removed safely and efficiently.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:

“I would like to thank the EPA and State Government for this grant.

“As everyone knows the 2022 natural disaster did a great deal of damage to the natural environment as well as the built environment.

“The grant is specifically intended to cover the removal of flood generated waste containing asbestos that has been found on public land in the Lismore LGA which will make a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

For more 2022 floods news, click here.

Advertisements

2022 Floods

Door Knock Survey in Flood Zone Your story is important

Published

4 months ago

31 July 2024

Liam

Advertisements

Door Knock Survey in Flood Zone – Your story is important

Resilient Lismore Launches Community Survey with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and The Lismore Chaplaincy Network

Resilient Lismore, in collaboration with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and The Lismore Chaplaincy Network, is conducting a community survey to gather data on how residents are coping after the 2022 floods. Teams will be knocking on doors in Lismore this week, encouraging those affected to participate.

Why Participate?

If your property was affected by the 2022 floods, your input is invaluable. The data collected will help us understand the community’s progress, inform recovery programs, and enhance flood risk management. We also aim to ensure residents are aware of ongoing recovery support services.

How to Complete the Survey

You can participate in several ways:

In Person: Complete the survey when our team visits your home.
By Phone: Call the Resilient Lismore Hub at 0455 218 692 to complete the survey over the phone.
At the Hub: Visit us at 215 Keen St to fill out the survey in person.
Online: Fill out the survey on your phone, tablet, or computer using this link.
Ensure you select your address from the options provided when entering it. The online survey is open until midnight, 12th August 2024.

Thank you for adding your voice! The collected information from the flood zone survey will be shared with the government and other stakeholders to reflect the community’s needs accurately.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

Advertisements