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Sydney Flood Levees Promised, Still Waiting for Action
30 Oct
Summary
- Promised flood levees in western Sydney remain unbuilt years later.
- A crucial flood risk mitigation report has been delayed by the NSW government.
- Community groups urge faster release of disaster plans due to flood risk.
Three years after Premier Chris Minns pledged $24 million for flood levees in western Sydney, construction has not begun. These levees, intended for Peachtree Creek, McGraths Hill, and Pitt Town, were part of a $225 million flood resilience plan announced in 2022. The NSW Reconstruction Authority completed a vital disaster adaptation plan for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Basin 12 months ago, but it remains under government review and has not been released.
This delay is concerning as community groups warn of escalating flood risks due to climate change and urban development. Alex McAlpin of the Committee for Sydney emphasized that a major flood event could necessitate the evacuation of over 230,000 people. The urgency is echoed by Resilient Sydney, a collaboration of local councils, calling for the disaster plan's immediate release to better protect vulnerable communities.
While some election promises, like trailer-mounted cell towers and road upgrades for evacuation routes, have been fulfilled, the core levee projects are stalled. Experts note that current roadworks are a small fraction of what's needed, and the region faces immense flood potential. The Insurance Council of Australia has also advocated for substantial long-term government investment in flood mitigation works across high-risk catchments.
