Central Coast Council has undertaken precautionary works at The Entrance Channel and continues to monitor local roads, waterways and water and sewer systems as a severe weather warning for very heavy rainfall, including flash flooding remains in place for the Central Coast. 

Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart said residents of low-lying properties around Tuggerah Lakes need to prepare their homes and properties for potential flooding.

“At 11.40am Saturday morning, the water level of Tuggerah Lakes measured at Long Jetty was 0.90 metres and rising. This is the recognised minor flood level,” Mr Hart said.

“The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that Tuggerah Lake at Long Jetty may reach around 1.60 metres by Sunday afternoon. This could push the flood peak to be similar to the February 2020 floods, which was 1.67 metres.

“It is important to note that a minor flood classification is in recognition of the frequency of the flood of this size, not the impact to our community. We understand that this will have a significant flow on effect to people's properties in low-lying areas of Tuggerah Lakes.

“Residents can prepare by removing loose items from around their yard and balcony, relocating waste containers, chemicals and poisons above floor level and stacking possessions or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top.”

Yesterday morning, as a precautionary measure, Council undertook minor channel maintenance work, removing a small amount of sand on the north side of The Entrance Channel to allow for a more direct flow path of predicted floodwaters. 

“The Entrance Channel remains open and flowing with an estimated width of 60 metres,” Mr Hart said. 

“During last February’s flood event, the channel was positioned further south. The current northern position of the channel means that it is more central to the greater channel area, and we are expecting a lesser impact to infrastructure on southern shorelines.  

“Staff have monitored and observed water freely flowing out of the estuary into the ocean and there is no barrier. Council will continue to monitor local roads, waterways, water and sewer systems and support SES.”

Residents are reminded to avoid swimming and any other recreational contact with the Coast’s waterways during (and for a few days after) the current significant rainfall conditions. Extended heavy rainfall increases the risk of our waterways being impacted by pollution due to stormwater run-off, which can be extremely dangerous. 

Council would like to remind the community Take care on the roads and avoid unnecessary travel. Local roads may be closed due to flash flooding. Updates on our local roads will be posted on Council's Facebook page.

Currently the Mooney Mooney Dam is spilling and levels are being closely monitored by SES and Council staff. Should there be any change, SES will directly alert impacted residents. 

For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the local SES Unit on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call 000.

ENDS