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Singleton mayor issues plea as flooding impacts Hunter town

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Singleton mayor Sue Moore is encouraging residents to follow the directions of the NSW SES and emergency services as flooding continues to impact the town.

An evacuation warning was issued after the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecast more extreme weather for the region, ensuring the Hunter River rose even higher.

It is currently sitting at 12.3m and is expected to reach 13.8 on Wednesday afternoon.

The levy bank presently sits at 14.8m, which protects most of the town.

Neighbouring Broke is inaccessible, too, with power likely to be cut for several days, while Cessnock and Maitland remain under threat.

“As usual, we are fortunate to have the NSW SES and emergency services, community volunteers and council staff working around the clock to do their best to keep everyone safe,” Cr Moore said.

“I thank all of those who are giving up the comfort of their own homes and donating their time and energy to respond to this event.

“I stress that we all have a role to play in ensuring our own safety.

“Please, please do not enter flood water, including in your vehicle.

“It can be deeper than you think, contain harmful material and conceal damaged or missing parts of roads.

“I also urge everyone to avoid all unnecessary travel and stay off the road if possible.

“If you do need to go out for essential reasons, check council’s website, the Singleton Disaster Dashboard or Facebook page for all road closures and drive very carefully.

“To everyone directly impacted by this event, the thoughts of our entire community are with you.

“What’s so special about our community is the way we all support each other when times are tough, and we will band together to rebuild and recover.”

The NSW SES is advising residents in low-lying areas of the following locations that they may need to evacuation due to rising flood water.

These areas include:

  • Singleton township

Storm and flood impacts may interrupt essential services such as electricity, phones, internet, water and sewerage.

People in these areas need to closely monitor weather and road closures and make informed decisions early based on individual circumstances. 

Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.

Where to go if evacuation is required: Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. An evacuation centre has been set up at Singleton Diggers, Dorsman Drive, Singleton Heights.

If you are currently in self-isolation due to COVID-19, contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 before leaving your location, where possible.

What the NSW SES is expecting:

Once floodwater begins inundating the area, road access may be cut. If you remain in the area after this time, you may become trapped and it may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you.

Current road closures:

  • Golden Highway @ Coolmore Stud (water over road ONLY)
  • Golden Highway @ Mudies Creek
  • Appletree Flat Road
  • Army Camp Road
  • Cemetery Lane, Whittingham
  • Bridgman Road
  • Broke Road
  • Broke / Cessnock Road – between Broke township + Hermitage Road
  • Carrington Street
  • Charlton Road
  • Cranky Corner Road North
  • Dights Crossing Road
  • Dyrring Road @ 2nd Causeway
  • Dunolly Road @ Dunolly Bridge
  • Elderslie Road (Singleton end)
  • Glendon Lane @ Christian Badior Bridge
  • Glendon Lane @ Bourkes Crossing Bridge
  • Glendon Lane @ Ponds Creek
  • Goorangoola Road, all causeways
  • Lemington Road @ Moses Crossing
  • Mitchell’s Flat Road @ Griffiths Crossing
  • Myall Creek Road
  • Oakley Lane, Broke
  • Pearse Street, Jerrys Plains
  • Putty Valley Road
  • Scott’s Flat Road
  • Sewerage Works Lane
  • Simpson Terrace
  • Standen Drive, near Kirkton Public School
  • Stanhope Road + Lamb Valley Road, Kilfoyles
  • Stanhope Road @ Moore’s Corner
  • Waterworks Lane
  • Wollombi Road @ Paynes Crossing Bridge
  • Wollombi Road, just near 60km zone at Broke

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