THE memories of floods that caused millions of dollars in damage and plenty of inconvenience at The Rock are still etched in the minds of locals.
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So a contribution of $652,941 in funding to fix a problem area to the east of the southern NSW township has been welcomed.
Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Rodger Schirmer told the Eastern Riverina Chronicle the funding was an excellent outcome.
“The Rock has been hit quite hard by flooding … and the council has been working hard on flood mitigation strategies,” he said.
Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack said Lockhart Shire Council would receive $652,941 for The Rock East-Streven Street drain. "Sadly, our communities are no strangers to the ravages of flooding and the projects being planned at Lockhart, Wagga and Temora will help reduce the risk of future catastrophic floods," Mr McCormack said.
Upgraded drainage will improve the transfer of water from east of The Rock to Burkes Creek, including upgrades of culverts on the Sydney-Melbourne railway line and the Olympic Highway. Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire said flooding can occur rapidly and leave communities shattered in its wake.
“It is important the community works together to ensure we are prepared and ready to manage future flooding events,” Mr Maguire said. “Council is at the forefront of flood response and recovery and we’re ensuring it has the resources to manage flood risk to help minimise damage to our community.”
The Lockhart Shire Council will use the funds for The Rock East – Streven Street Drain to construct drainage channel and structures to the east of town to reduce flood risk in The Rock.
“This funding will enable the Lockhart Shire Council … to make informed decisions on the best way to invest in flood mitigation and better manage the risks posed by floods,” Mr Maguire said.