AlburyCity Council continues to work through more than 1,850 customer requests for assistance following the recent storm activity that impacted the region.
Council CEO, Frank Zaknich said records show that the city experienced its wettest January in 40 years, with wild storm activity and the resulting flooding having a major impact across the region.
“Our initial response to the storms was to focus on fallen trees, blocked drains, and flooded roads, and our teams have done a great job in the mammoth clean-up task,” said Mr Zaknich.
“Whilst calls for assistance continue to climb we’ve been able to reduce the number outstanding, with almost 1,300 requests being addressed, focussed on ensuring the safety of our community and protection of community assets.”
Mayor Kylie King thanked the community for their patience and understanding while Council teams prioritised where assistance was most needed.
“Importantly, our application for disaster declaration funding assistance has been successful, and we are thankful to both the Federal and State Governments for helping our community get through this difficult time,” she said.
The Albury CBD was one of many areas impacted by the deluges, with pits and drains in Dean and David Street’s inspected, and earmarked for upgrade once design is complete and resourcing and funding can be allocated.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Bridget McKenzie said the series of storm events over a week-long period had caused significant damage.
“Parts of the Riverina-Murray experienced flash flooding as a result of intense periods of rainfall on 5-6 January, and again on 14-16 January,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Australian Government is working closely with NSW to ensure that the individuals impacted receive the support they need to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
“We also want to ensure that local councils are supported to restore essential public assets and keep the communities affected safe,” she said.
Other areas where repair works are underway include the drains in Bungambrawatha Creek – where sandbags have been placed as a temporary solution until rectification works can be fully completed – and Kerr Road in Thurgoona where significant undermining of the road occurred due to flood waters.
Shaw Street in Springdale Heights and Centaur Road in Hamilton Valley have had work undertaken to ensure they are accessible to traffic, with full rectification to be undertaken following the completion of roads in Splitters Creek.
“A big thankyou must go to our teams who continue their focus on keeping our community safe under trying circumstances,” said Mr Zaknich.
