Breaking News
Pump pressure on
Thursday 15 May, 2008 12:01am
IF you live in the low-lying areas around the east of the lake, you'd better hang on to something that floats next time it rains, according to the Pelican-Blacksmiths Progress Association and Landcare Group.
The group is putting pressure on Swansea State Labor MP Robert Coombs and Lake Macquarie Mayor Greg Piper to lobby for funding to protect homes in flood-risk areas.
This follows last week's release of a State Government report identifying Lower Hunter properties under threat from rising sea levels due to climate change.
Landcare group spokesman Chris Osborne (pictured) said during last year's June weekend floods many residents of Swan St, Marks Point, had to stay overnight with relatives or find other accommodation.
"We have some streets in Marks Point and other low-lying areas in Pelican, Blacksmiths and Belmont South which are regularly flooded when there are heavy rains coinciding with high tides", Mr Osborne said.
"The June floods last year were a prime example of what could happen with rising sea levels due to climate change.
"It is time for local and State Government to do something about it."
Mr Osborne said that low-lying areas of Swansea North were dealt with a couple of years ago when the previous state member obtained funds for pumping stations to divert stormwater out of the area.
He said the same facilities and infrastructure were required for Marks Point, Pelican and Belmont South.
"The water that accumulates in the drains in Swan and Findon streets in Marks Point go straight into the lake," Mr Osborne said.
"This is bad for the health of the lake as lots of rubbish and grass clippings end up in the lake. What is required are pumping stations and the stormwater diverted away from the lake and into the sewer system."
