NSW floods: Damage bill to reach billions as water subsides

Residents across NSW have returned home to begin the massive flood clean-up — with damage forecast into the billions. This comes as Windsor Bridge was being examined by engineers to determine when it can reopen again.

The race is on to clear houses and farms of damaged goods and ensure contaminated mud from floodwaters doesn’t bake onto properties.

The Hawkesbury River has dropped 3m from its peak, with levels expected to return to normal by Easter.

But as water recedes, the damage bill for some of the worst flooding in two decades is expected to reach into the billions of dollars.

A Windsor couple who watched their floors go underwater are praying they won’t have to replace large parts of their home.

Blake Lepagier and Mel Steer have lost all of the contents from the lower part of their home, including white goods.

Mel Steer and Blake Lepagier begin the clean up at their Windsor house. Picture: Tim Hunter

The couple’s Windsor home was flooded. Picture: Tim Hunter

While they managed to clear furniture before water engulfed their upstairs living area, they are sweating on whether they will need to replace the gyprock walls and swollen timber floor boards.

The young couple are uninsured for flood, unwilling to fork out the $25,000 annual premium.

“In a couple of weeks’ time we’ll know what really needs replacing and we are hoping that we’re not going to have black mould throughout our home, including the floorboards,” Ms Steer, 28, said.

“We bought here 18 months aga and we’ve put in a lot work with building garden beds and a retaining wall, so to see that all gone is heartbreaking.”

Windsor Polo Club was inundated with floodwaters. Picture: Tim Hunter

At Richmond, the Windsor Polo Club president Julie McIntosh estimates there’ll be at least $200,0000 in damage after the their clubhouse and grounds were turned into a lake.

North Richmond and Windsor bridges remain closed, with Windsor Bridge unlikely to open until at least Sunday or Monday.

Friday is the first time engineers have been able to access Windsor Bridge, which until Thursday was inaccessible because of floodwaters.

The clean up continues on the Windsor Bridge, which was closed due to the floods. Picture: Tim Hunter

Tonnes of debris has collected around the bridge after being washed down from kilometres upstream.

Government sources said the bridge is unlikely to open until at least Sunday and perhaps Monday depending upon what engineering issues are found.

The North Richmond bridge, however, is an older bridge which will most likely require more time before opening.

Debris has landed against the Windsor Bridge. Picture: Tim Hunter

The SES has been conducting more than 600 individual damage assessments in Penrith and the Hawkesbury on Friday.

Hundreds of volunteers remain on the ground helping individual property owners remove damaged goods and ferrying people across the river.

Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet toured the worst affected areas of the Hawkesbury River on Friday in an effort to understand the extent of the devastation.

Mr Elliott said while the water has subsided 3m, it will take until Easter until flood levels return to normal.

“This was a good opportunity to see communities as the waters begin to subside and it is quite clear that the damage bill will be in the billions of dollars unfortunately,” he told The Saturday Telegraph.

Mr Elliott said the Wilberforce community “were very grateful that the resupply has started in earnest”.

“The mammoth task of cleaning up has begun and we saw cars in trees and rubbish,” Mr Elliott said.

“Obviously people’s homes will need to be brought back to life and we met people who have just survived a very traumatic week.

“I can confirm that spirits are high and amongst emergency services. I was so proud that the Treasurer got to see how dedicated they were.”

Originally published as NSW floods: Damage bill to reach billions as water subsides