7 November 2009 - Fifth Natural Disaster Hits Coffs Harbour

The fifth major storm to hit Coffs Harbour in 10 months has left a trail of destruction to public property in the area estimated at around $1million. 

More than 500mm of rain fell in short periods in parts of the Coffs Harbour local government area from the night of Thursday, November 5, through to Saturday, November 7. 

"Thankfully this time, many of the people whose homes were inundated with water in the March 31 storm, escaped further damage," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades, who has already visited several of the areas worst hit during the March 31 event. "But lots of families were, once again, put through the trauma of being evacuated as the water levels rose around them. 

"The damage bill for local infrastructure is currently being put at around $1million, but that may rise as we get the full picture early next week. The Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, has acted swiftly on behalf of the State Government to declare this area and Bellingen and Nambucca Shires as natural disaster zones, which will be helpful in terms of getting funding for the recovery effort," he said.   

During the storm, there were seven landslips with the worst being on the Old Coast Road and Bruxner Park Road. 

Eighteen local roads have sustained serious damage, particularly Barbaresco's Road and Middle Boambee Road, while 12 bridges or bridge approaches and two footbridges will need to be repaired. 

There were minor sewage overflows caused by damaged pump stations and 'No Swimming' signs have been erected at Fiddaman's Beach in Emerald. Beach access ways have again been badly hit and there is a great deal of storm debris on local beaches, which will need to be cleaned up. 

"Water inundation affected some businesses in the city centre, but not to the extent of the March 31 storm event. Many retailers - in light of the March storm - had organised sandbags which helped minimise damage to their premises," said Stephen Sawtell, Council's General Manager. 

A clean-up of water-damaged household and business goods and fittings will take place next week in the Coffs Harbour area. Anyone requiring damaged property to be collected should call Council on 02 6648 4000 from 9am on Monday, November 9.