Image caption: Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne and The Hon. Peter Primrose MLC at the Pitt Town floodgates.
Five flood-prone road crossings in The Hills' rural north have been upgraded to improve public safety, reduce the risk of vehicles entering floodwaters, and enhance The Hills Shire Council's real-time response during storm events.
The upgrades include the installation of advanced flood warning sensors, improved flood gates, and new warning signage at:
- Pitt Town Road, Kenthurst (over Cattai Creek)
- Pitt Town Road, Maraylya (over Cataract Creek)
- Cattai Ridge Road, Glenorie/Maraylya (over Cattai Creek)
- McClymonts Road (over Cattai Creek)
- Blue Gum Road (over Blue Gum Creek)
The project was jointly funded by the NSW Government through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, in partnership with Council.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the upgrades play a vital role in protecting residents, emergency services, and visitors during severe weather events.
"The rural north is susceptible to flooding, as it lies along the banks of the Hawkesbury River, the longest coastal river in NSW, running from Penrith to Broken Bay. These upgrades are a critical step in strengthening our flood infrastructure and building a more resilient future for our rural communities," Mayor Byrne said.
"We are proud to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver this important investment in community safety. The new technology allows us to monitor conditions in real time, respond quickly to risks, and help prevent people from attempting to cross dangerous floodwaters.
"We've seen the devastation floods can cause – both here in The Hills and across the country. These measures will save lives."
The Hon. Peter Primrose, MLC said he was pleased to see the flood safety infrastructure.
"The new infrastructure will provide advanced warning systems, upgraded flood gates and clear signage at five rural bridge locations across The Hills Shire, helping to prevent vehicles from entering dangerous flood waters," Mr Primrose said.
"Tragically, we know that some of these crossings, including Cattai Ridge Road, have seen serious incidents in the past. These upgrades will help prevent future tragedies by keeping drivers better informed and safer during flood events."
"The NSW Government is proud to commit $500,000 through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program to fund this project, demonstrating our commitment to community-focused infrastructure where it is most needed".
