The NSW Government has advised that it has secured its portion of funding for flood repairs at Cornwallis, including the repair of the flood mitigation system and the replacement of the missing section of Cornwallis Road.
The initial damage at Cornwallis was caused during the March 2021 flood, with the failure of the flood mitigation system and severe erosion of the riverbank. Subsequent flooding in 2022 caused further erosion and the breaching of the riverbank, resulting in a small bay forming. A 180-metre section of Cornwallis Road was also lost.
In support of Hawkesbury City Council, the NSW Government (led by Infrastructure NSW, NSW Public Works and the EPA) prepared a feasibility assessment to consider various infrastructure options to rebuild Cornwallis Road. Consultants and specialists were engaged to assess the options against multiple considerations to meet the following key objectives and funding guidelines:
* Restore Cornwallis Road, including drainage and associated infrastructure
* Restore flood water behaviour to prior conditions
* Ensure the integrity of the land and sustainability of any solution
* Maintain/enhance the integrity of Bakers Lagoon, which is home to a number of endangered species
Following this detailed process, the option that has been identified by the NSW Government is to restore Cornwallis Road on a 13-metre-high embankment and provide suitable drainage infrastructure under the road from Bakers Lagoon to the new bay. This option reinstates the natural levee function and the protection it provided to landowners. It will not restore the riverbank to its original alignment; the small bay will remain.
The state funding means that discussions can commence with landowners regarding access and acquisitions while negotiations continue with the Federal Government for its contribution. It is anticipated the restoration works will take 12 months to complete pending finalisation of discussions with landowners.
NSW Public Works will deliver the project on behalf of Council.
