Nelson Bay: Homes on Lagoon Circuit inundated with flood waters

A Nelson Bay resident said things “starting looking dangerous” when water began to creep across their lawn before the ground floor of her home was inundated with water and sewerage.

It was Thursday night when the situation “starting looking dangerous”.

On the edge of a lagoon in Nelson Bay’s Lagoon Circuit, the constant downpours had seen a deluge of water start approaching homes.

First, a rapid gushing of water, then a slow and eerie creeping of flood waters, as they continued to get higher and higher.

It was then resident Susan Green started to worry.

“The lagoon which is normally around 30 metre below our property, starting filling up rapidly, because of the failure of the storm water and blockages and the water coming off the Golf Club and the streets around us,” she said.

Susan Green and her partner were affected by the rain as their Nelson Bay home flooded. Picture: supplied.

Ms Green’s Nelson Bay home at Lagoon Circuit. Picture: supplied.

“We copped all the drainage from every street and it filled up and crept across our lawn.”

On Friday, SES crews arrived to start sand bagging, as the water continued to rise and create angst among residents.

“It crept up the steps, up and up and up, 6-7 inches over night,” Ms Green added.

“The tennis courts were more than a metre under water, the patio furniture was under water.

“15 houses were affected in the street. I’ve only been here just under a year but the neighbours who have been here 10 to 15 years said it’s come up but never done this.”

Now Susan and her husband are knee-deep in water, their entire ground floor of their home submerged.

“The water got under the house and came up through the floor boards and sewerage all through as well,” Ms Green said.

“We can’t get into our storeroom, it’s got a brand new lawnmower and brand new garden tools. We’ve got no idea what is floating around.”

The patio completely flooded. Picture: supplied.

Items stacked on top of a lounge in the middle of flood waters. Picture: supplied.

The couple lost a brand new lounge, a retro 70s bar and numerous pieces of furniture which are now under water, but were able to save most things, including Ms Green’s sewing machines.

“Because the water rose quite slowly we had plenty of time to get our things out, other people didn’t,” she said.

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But luckily, community spirit has stood strong.

“It’s been fantastic community spirit in this street, everybody has been 150 per cent incredible, it’s really brought us together as a community, it is a credit to everyone involved,” Ms Green explained.

“The SES did every single thing they could, the looks on their faces when they realised they couldn’t save our home and there was nothing they could do, they were devastated. They were absolutely marvellous.”

Even their insurance company made a devastating incident, that little bit easier.

Susan Green’s back of her Nelson Bay home as water crept closer. Picture: supplied.

“NRMA insurance could not have been better, the area was declared a natural disaster and they have given us temporary accommodation for a week in a hotel and allowed us to lease a neighbours holiday home across the street while repairs are being done,” she said.

“My claim just went straight through, it was terrific.

“We have been extremely lucky, look at all those poor people up in Taree and Mid North Coast.

“My home is ruined and it will take a month for the water to recede, it’s going to stink. My lawns will look fabulous with all that fertiliser though.”