Cessnock City Council was successful in obtaining grant funding from the NSW Government's Floodplain Management Program to install flood warning systems within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA).
Once installed, the flood warning systems are designed to protect life by alerting residents who live near locations prone to flash flooding of rising creek levels. The systems will also alert Council and emergency service organisations prior to, and during, flood events.
Flash flood siren alerting systems are proposed to be installed at the following four locations:
- Elizabeth Street, Abermain
- Thomas Fell Park, Weston
- Mount View Park, Cessnock
- Short Street, Cessnock
Additional flood warning infrastructure, including water level gauges to monitor water levels in concrete stormwater channels within the Cessnock CBD area, and an automated rainfall gauge at Kearsley, are also proposed to be installed.
Council will be holding two community information sessions for residents to find out more about the flood warning systems, raise any concerns, and ask any questions.
The sessions will be held from 4-7pm on Monday 5 September at the Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre, and 4-7pm on Tuesday 6 September at Weston Civic Centre.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said he will be pleased to see these flood warning systems installed, particularly following the significant flood events we've had this year.
"This is the first time we have ever had three natural disaster declarations within 12 months, two coming within just four months of each other. Anything that can help residents during future flood events has my full support," Mayor Suvaal said.
"I encourage residents to come along to the information sessions to find out more, or complete the online survey on Council's website."
Residents can also have their say, and find out more, by visiting www.together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/flood-warning-systems.
