Funding for flood fix on Wakehurst Parkway set to be announced
The Wakehurst Parkway floods up to 11 times a year — now an announcement on funding to fix the problem is imminent.
Manly
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An announcement is set to be made about money to fix flooding problems on the notorious Wakehurst Parkway.
The NSW Government has confirmed that discussions between Transport for NSW and the Northern Beaches Council on funding the work were in the “final stages”.
Funds could be used to pay for levee banks; drainage upgrades and adjustments to road; and bridges to improve water flows under the road to help stop flooding between Oxford Falls and North Narrabeen.
These were some of the options included in a $5 million study undertaken by the council — and paid for by Transport for NSW — released in April last year into examining ways to reduce the flooding of Wakehurst Parkway.
The study, by consultants Cardno, found that the Parkway floods in four locations and was forced to close between three and 11 times a year between 2007 and 2014, with closures ranging from a few minutes to two days.
The Parkway was again closed to traffic for more than 48 hours after the torrential rainstorm that hit the northern beaches on February 9.
While the road is the responsibility of the NSW Government, the council is responsible for managing Middle Creek and Narrabeen Lagoon.
The most recent flood prompted Federal Liberal MP for Mackellar, Jason Falinski, to write to the NSW Government, urging it to immediately launch a feasibility study into a Parkway upgrade, including widening the road from two lanes to four.
Mr Falinski suggested Roads Minister Andrew Constance ask the federal government for money from its Urban Congestion Fund to pay for that study.
State Liberal MP for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the NSW Government had already funded the council’s flood mitigation study in 2017. The study was completed in mid-2019.
“Transport for NSW and Northern Beaches Council are currently in the final stages of discussions on a suitable funding model,” Mr Stokes said.
“Northern Beaches Council should be commended for the extensive and detailed work they’ve undertaken.
“It’s great the feds are now becoming interested in this ongoing project. If they’re looking to come to the party with additional funds — bring it on.”
Council chief executive officer Ray Brownlee said it was still working with Transport for NSW on options to reduce flooding on the Parkway.
“We are grateful for the assistance of Transport for NSW, Minister Constance’s office and our local State MPs in progressing this important work on the state road which is used by countless residents on the northern beaches each day.”