2021 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN FLOODS

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COMMUNITY IN CRISIS

What initially seemed to be run-of-the-mill autumn rainfall in March quickly became an extreme weather event across New South Wales. Areas stretching from Sydney to the Northern Rivers were inundated with rain and damaging winds. The flooding that resulted caused the destruction of property, led to tens of thousands of people being evacuated, and tragically took one young life.

In the face of this disaster, our community has shown its trademark resilience. Under the instruction of the State Emergency Service (SES), Council staff were out on the ground during the emergency, placing signage on closed roads, preparing residents for evacuations and assisting with traffic control. Penrith Council also provided the SES with 46 tonnes of sand for sandbagging, while our Animal Services team helped Hawkesbury Council staff to evacuate the Companion Animal Shelter in Mulgrave. The SES is the lead agency for flooding, supported by Council, volunteers from the NSW Rural Fire Service, other emergency services and a range of community organisations. Together, with the help of many local residents, we tackled the massive clean-up operation.

Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden and Liverpool Councils all offered support, which we greatly appreciated. Our hearts went out to our friends and neighbours in the Hawkesbury who also experienced major flooding. Council is hoping to assist in easing the difficulties of recovery by waiving the Development Application (DA) fees on flood-affected properties. For homeowners who experienced damage to their land or the lower levels of their properties, associated costs will be waived. Council will also fast-track these DA applications, ensuring residents who have experienced flood damage are responded to quickly.

HAWKESBURYNEPEAN FLOODS SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTS’ RECOVERY

Find out more about support for flood-affected residents, and other latest news at penrith.city/news

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CITY’S NEW METRO STATIONS

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport will connect Penrith City with metro stations at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham, and onto the airport business park, terminals and the aerotropolis beyond. The proposed metro station at St Marys would be located under the existing Sydney Trains rail station, and have two entries, on Station Street and on Harris Street. It will provide easy access to and from the T1 Western Line, bus services and cycling links.

ST MARYS METRO STATION IS SET TO OPEN WHEN PASSENGER SERVICES COMMENCE AT THE AIRPORT

Find out more at sydneymetro.info/westernsydneyairportline

COUNCIL ENVISIONS ST MARYS AS A BUSTLING AND WELL-CONNECTED HUB OF RESIDENTS AND WORKERS, GROUNDED IN ITS RICH HISTORY, THRIVING INDUSTRY AND DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE, EMBODYING OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND CHANGE

BELOW: An artist’s impression of St Marys Metro Station