State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called for the Water Minister, Melinda Pavey MP, to make Hunter Water undertake its part of the flood mitigation works in Wallsend.
The call follows a sudden downpour yesterday which nearly saw Ironbark Creek break its banks and years of inaction on the part of the NSW Government and Hunter Water.
Following the 2007 Pasha Bulker superstorm, which saw parts of Wallsend completely underwater and caused tens of millions in damage to local businesses and residents, City of Newcastle released a flood mitigation plan which would help alleviate local flooding dangers.
City of Newcastle is on track to finish the rebuilding of the Tyrrell Street Bridge over Ironbark Creek three months ahead of schedule, but Hunter Water is refusing to rebuild its assets in line with the plan.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Thirteen years after Wallsend went under water, and after a month of these freak storms, it’s clearer than ever that we need Hunter Water to take responsibility and commence works.”
“A change to Hunter Water’s operating licence in 2017 authorised them to look at augmenting Wallsend stormwater channel but to date they haven’t done a single thing.”
“I have been calling on the Government to help City of Newcastle protect Wallsend homes and businesses from flooding.”
“Yesterday saw the latest rain event which threatened to inundate Wallsend. Houses were flooded in Lambton, roads were closed and the entire Wallsend Electorate was nearly brought to a standstill.”
“I applaud City of Newcastle for working to get the Tyrrell Street Bridge rebuilt as per the Flood Mitigation Plan, and they’ve managed it months ahead of schedule.”
“My most recent requests that Hunter Water finally hold up their end of the bargain have been rejected, even though the widening of the Ironbark Creek channel involves assets solely owned by Hunter Water. They reckon Council should take care of it.”
“This latest example of cost-shifting from this Government is endangering lives and property in the Wallsend Electorate.”
“Come on, Minister Pavey. The time for Hunter Water to act is now, before Wallsend is flooded again.”