Stuarts Point evacuation order remains as authorities clean up

The evacuation order for Stuarts Point prompted by the overflow of septic tanks after prolonged rain, remains in place on Tuesday.

Residents evacuated after septic tanks overflowed in the Mid North Coast town of Stuarts Point. A biohazard was declared and Fire and Rescue NSW assisted residents to a nearby youth centre for decontamination. Photo courtesy of Nine News.

The evacuation order for Stuarts Point prompted by the overflow of septic tanks after prolonged rain, remains in place on Tuesday.

The order was made on Friday night when onsite septic systems spilt out into streets and backyards in the town located about 35 km south of Nambucca Heads.

The Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) issued the evacuation order after NSW Heath confirmed a risk of faecal matter and bacteria in the discharge from onsite septic systems.

Surrounding streets are now dry and on Tuesday Fire and Rescue NSW crews have prioritised disinfecting roads that were contaminated and all roads have now been opened.

The exclusion zone remains around individual properties which have been marked with tape.

Currently, groundwater continues to be pumped from the affected area.

Residents are evacuated after septic tanks overflowed in Stuarts Point. A biohazard was declared and Fire and Rescue NSW assisted residents to a nearby youth centre for decontamination. Photo courtesy of Nine News.

The priority for is to get people back into their homes, however each property needs to be assessed in terms of a number of criteria.

All agencies are working together to best determine what will be required to revoke the evacuation orders for individual properties. This assessment includes:

- Has there been water on the site?

- Has the home been inundated?

- Is the home structurally sound?

- Are the septic systems for the home operational?

Crews from the relevant agencies, including Fire and Rescue NSW and Kempsey Shire Council, are assessing each property using the above criteria, to develop a remediation plan for each home.

All property owners are being communicated with and supported by the Department of Communities and Justice (WELFAC) while this process remains ongoing.

Community Information Sessions – co-ordinated by the SES – will be conducted on Wednesday in Stuarts Point and surrounding areas where evacuated residents are being housed.

These sessions will outline further details around the steps being taken to return people to their homes, the continued issues with significant groundwater and the health advice for managing flood impacts. Times and locations are yet to be determined.

Any residents requiring urgent assistance or specialist care are advised to contact SES on 132 500.