Heavy downpours throughout the past week have resulted in further damages to properties in the New Lambton landslip affected area.
City of Newcastle (CN) released a statement on Thursday 10 September notifying the public the rainfall had caused more structural destruction to several residences on Baker Street.
It is unknown whether homes on Russell Road, Victoria Street and Portland Place suffered additional damages as well.
“We acknowledge that this is upsetting news for impacted residents, and the residents of these specific properties have been briefed [this morning] on the current status and offered support services to help them process it all,” a CN spokesperson said.
The original incident, which occurred on 23 May, resulted in the devastation of 15 homes, displacing a total of 29 residents.
On Tuesday 26 August, another bout of heavy rainfall increased the danger zone created by the May landslip, claiming another property on Victoria Street.
Council said since the initial incident, residents had received regular updates through phone calls, text messages and emails.
A meeting also took place on the night of Wednesday 10 September, where those impacted received detailed information on current emergency works, the geotechnical investigations, input and notifications from relevant agencies.
“Geotechnical investigations are ongoing, with findings subject to peer review by the NSW Government’s Public Works Authority and Transport for NSW,” the council spokesperson said.
“These studies will play an important part in guiding decisions about the site’s future.
“However, this work will take time, and it’s too early to determine recovery timeframes or outcomes at this stage.”
Additionally, council reinstated it would not assist in the repair of the damaged properties.
“City of Newcastle is responsible for public infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and stormwater systems,” it stated.
“Responsibility for privately-owned land and property rests with individual landowners and their insurers.
“City of Newcastle does not fund works or repairs on private land, unless required to do so under specific laws or supported by state or federal disaster recovery programs.
“Conversations with the NSW Government regarding this will begin once the geotechnical investigations are complete and the size and complexity of the situation is better understood.”
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