From the Emergency Operations Centre
Planning and preparing for our transition to recovery is well underway. A multi-agency recovery strategy has been planned to coordinate the recovery. These agencies include but are not limited to NSW Police Force, Hawkesbury Council, NSW SES, NSW RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW and Public Works Authority.
We know people want to get back to their homes, however we need to keep the community safe during this time.
This is going to be a prolonged flood. Further rises are occurring in some areas and operations are still in the response phase with the likelihood of further advice, warnings, and potential for further evacuations.
The safety of the community is the priority. An affected area needs to be assessed as safe before the clean-up can begin. As outlined, once safe, services will be on the ground for our community.
A flood waste clean-up registration process is being developed by Council. To receive updates on this process as it becomes available, please register your details on Council’s website:
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/fih2021/survey_tools/register1
To aid with this process we are sharing this information to better prepare the community for the clean up to come –
- There will be a focus this year on kerbside flood waste collection during the recovery which will increase the speed and efficiency of the clean-up process, skip bins will be a secondary option for removal of flood waste if kerbside pick-up is not appropriate.
- Registration for flood waste collection will be through the Council website. Your request will be assessed to ensure you are in a flood affected area. Council will share when the registration process is available.
- Owners will be encouraged to move their waste to the kerbside of their property and will need to segregate the flood waste into specific piles. Information on this will be provided.
The following flood waste may be eligible for collection from primary residences or small businesses during the initial phase of clean-up:
- Mixed general solid waste (non-putrescible) such as hard or bulky waste, mattresses, whitegoods, and e-waste.
- Green waste.
- Household chemicals (
Please note any flood waste that does not fall into one of the above categories will be assessed and other arrangements for collection may be required.
For guidance on how to manage waste that does not fall into one of the above categories please visit EPA NSW storm and flood updates 2022
When handling any refuse which has been contaminated with flood water or mud, personal protective equipment must be worn, especially gloves. It’s recommended that upon completion of clean up tasks that protective clothing is washed, and people should shower within the hour.
