Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews is encouraging all levels of government to work together after inspecting severe damage to infrastructure and homes at Wamberal and the North Entrance this morning.

An east coast low was predicted to hit the NSW North Coast earlier in the week, bringing with it damaging winds, surf and heavy rainfall. The Central Coast in particular, has experienced severe coastal erosion.  

“The impact this storm has had on Wamberal and North Entrance residents is devastating, some are at risk of losing their homes as a result of severe erosion due to damaging surf," Mayor Matthews said.

“We would welcome a natural disaster declaration for the Central Coast that would mean residents who have been impacted by the recent event can seek assistance and support to recover. Funding would also be made available to Council to repair infrastructure impacted by the storms.

“I would like to thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch for his support in identifying other potential funding options available, which are currently being investigated."

Mayor Lisa Matthews said she would also like to see the Premier visit the region and see first-hand the impact the disaster has had on Central Coast residents and infrastructure.   

“This is the fourth disaster the central coast community has had to endure in the past nine months - bushfires, floods, pandemic and now severe coastal erosion impacting infrastructure and people’s homes. It’s important the Premier sees the impact the recent event has had on residents and I seek her support wherever possible to help rebuild our severely affected areas," Mayor Matthews said.

“We are reaching out for help and acknowledge recovery efforts will take a team effort and I look forward to welcoming the Premier to our region.

“Our community continues to experience challenging times, however in the face of adversity we must band together. I commend the government agencies who continue to be involved in working hand in hand with our residents impacted."