The New South Wales government has announced new disaster relief measures for people impacted by flooding on the state’s north mid coast as key freight routes remain closed.
An update from Live Traffic NSW this morning says major highways are still closed due to the flooding, leaving many operators and trucks stranded.
The latest update sees the Pacific Highway remain closed in both directions between Coopernook and Purfleet, near Taree, while the Oxley Highway is closed between Thrumster and Wauchope, as well as at Rosewood, Long Flat and Mount Seaview.
Giinagay Way is closed between North Macksville and Nambucca Heads, as is Waterfall Way between both Bellingen and Raleigh as well as Dorrigo Mountain and Thora.
The Failford Road, Seaham Road at Raymond Terrace, Sandgate Road between the Pacific Highway and Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Nelson Bay Road are all also closed.
In greater Sydney, Springwood Road, Cattai Road, Pitt Town Road, Wakehurst Parkway and Audley Weir are closed.
“Avoid all non-essential travel in flood affected regions,” Live Traffic NSW says.
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“If you absolutely must travel, exercise extreme caution as conditions can change very quickly. Never drive through floodwater.”
Operators have started announcing their delays, with Centurion Transport the latest to tell customers to expect freight delays due to the severe weather across NSW.
Flooding, road closures and power outages have impacted Centurion’s operations in Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Sydney, Wollongong, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Maitland.
“We know delays can be frustrating, but safety is our priority,” the company says in a statement.
“Our teams and carriers are doing their best to manage the situation and keep freight moving where possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please take care and stay safe in these challenging conditions.”
The Mid Coast Council in NSW has announced a natural disaster declaration, ensuing financial support is made available to the region from both the state and federal governments.
“What has occurred over the last three days has been devastating to Mid Coast communities and there is another long hard road to recovery ahead for all of us,” Mayor Claire Pontin says.
“With that in mind, it’s reassuring to know that we won’t be left to face it on our own.”
OwnerDriver encourages drivers, operators or industry members to reach out to the page about their experiences at sean.mortell@primecreative.com.au.
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