Nancy, a 92-year-old great-great-grandmother, has lived in her home in Kurnell, Sydney, for over 55 years. She has consistently paid her rates, so when flooding occurred in her backyard due to a nearby stormwater drain, she expected assistance from the local council. However, after three years, her backyard remains a swamp.
The flooding worsened in April 2022 when the Ampol fuel terminal was inundated, leading to a significant diesel spill into local streets, including Nancy’s. Since then, her backyard has stayed flooded. Despite her efforts, including working with a lawyer, she claims the council has ignored her pleas for help.
Local residents have reported similar issues, noting that nearby wetlands are perpetually saturated and the drains are obstructed and malodorous. The Sutherland Shire Council has stated it is limited in its ability to address these flooding concerns and is seeking assistance from the state government.
In a statement, the council acknowledged ongoing work to mitigate flooding impacts on properties like Nancy’s, particularly those situated on naturally occurring wetlands. They identified that elevated water levels have affected the area, and while water naturally drains into Quibray Bay, accumulated silt and vegetation in the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve have hampered this flow.
The council has actively worked to minimise flooding risks over the years but emphasised that many issues are managed by state government agencies responsible for wetland and waterway management. They have proposed dredging in the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, owned by Transport for NSW, and are advocating for necessary drainage improvements.
Additionally, the council has implemented short-term measures, such as clearing weed overgrowth from flood channels and ensuring that all council-maintained stormwater infrastructure is free of blockages.
Acknowledging the distress experienced by Nancy and other affected residents, the council is committed to maintaining communication with the community as it collaborates with responsible state government bodies to pursue a long-term resolution to the flooding concerns in Kurnell.