State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, will today table a Notice of Motion calling on the State Government to help fund the Wallsend Flood Management Plan.
Almost 10 years since the 2007 Pasha Bulker storm, works to replace the bridges in Wallsend and reduce the risk of flooding in the area remains unfunded.
Newcastle City Council have indicated that there is no money in their budget for the essential works to be completed but given the importance of the work, Ms Hornery will ask the Minister to fund the essential upgrades.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“I have been calling for support to implement flood management plans for Wallsend since being elected.”
“The 2007 floods were one of the worst for Wallsend, with dozens of businesses flooded and damaged. Some of those businesses have left the local area as there is no certainty that flooding won’t occur again.”
“We have had a number of flooding events since the 2007 storm and Wallsend business owners and residents get nervous every time there is significant rainfall.”
“I have been working with Newcastle Council and they cannot afford the necessary works to the road infrastructure.”
“Given it is now almost 10 years on from the storm, and given the importance of the works needed, I will be asking the State Government to assist Newcastle Council to rebuild the three problematic town bridges.”