newcastle WED 6 MAY 2015
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Keeping Wallsend safe Removal of two bridges suggested as part of flood risk management plan AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
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ridges in Tyrrell and Boscawen streets in Wallsend could be removed in an effort to safeguard the CBD against future flood events. In a long- awaited report on flood risks in Wallsend, hydrologists have recommended that the two bridges be removed and improvements be made to the Nelson Street Bridge in order to improve the flow of storm waters along Ironbark Creek. But the recommendation has sparked concerns from some quarters, including Newcastle Labor councillor Jason Dunn and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who have called for a traffic study to investigate the impact removing the bridges will have on local roads. At last Tuesday night’s meeting of Newcastle City Council, Cr Dunn successfully put forward a motion requesting that Council investigate the cost and feasibility of replacing the bridges with higher more low- profile structures in order to retain vehicular access. Three other options, including enlarging the Minmi Road bridge, the installation of a levee along Tyrrell Street, and construction of a new channel, up to 25 metres wide, through the commercial centre, were investigated as part of the Wallsend Floodplain Risk Management Plan Implementation Works study, which is currently on public exhibition.
(R-L): Newcastle City councillor Jason Dunn, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery and business owner Max McCorkell, whose Nelson Street shop was inundated in the 2007 flood According to the report, the removal of the bridges was recommended over other options because it achieved a $16.5 million in flood damage reduction for the relatively low capital cost of $5.9 million. Ms Hornery said the severe storms that lashed the region last month were a timely reminder that changes needed to be made to manage the risk of future floods in the area. “It’s been eight years since the Pasha Bulker storm, and this most recent round of storms
and flooding should remind us to redouble our efforts to protect our communities from flooding,” she said. “We will be dealing with the fallout of this storm for some time to come, but we cannot be complacent.” Max McCorkell, whose Nelson Street shop was inundated by floodwaters in the June 2007 storm, said he was happy to see the plan moving forward, but added that many local business owners were getting fed up with its slow progress.
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