Peninsula is not ready for disaster

If the Peninsula was in a situation of disaster, I worry if residents would be unable to evacuate.

This concern has arisen after fears for friends and family living in areas of Queensland affected by the floods.

We have three main evacuation points including Kariong Hill/Gosford, the Rip Bridge and Bulls Hill.

According to Gosford Council, in the case of a one per cent AEP (Flood Inundation Map), Woy Woy Rd at the old abattoir site and Correa Bay boat ramp would be flooded,

Brisbane Water Dr would be flooded at Point Claire and Woy Woy which would leave the Rip Bridge as the only evacuation point besides the Umina Heights area.

This is noted in static calm water and not inclusive of king tides, so further flooding is possible.

It is estimated that the population of the Peninsula in 2011 is approximately 55,000 from estimates of the 2001 ABS with 2.29 per cent growth per annum.

According to Gosford City Displan 2009, those items identified at an extreme risk level requiring additional planning in flood and bush fire events.

Items identified as high risk for the Peninsula are tsunamis.

The Rip Bridge and associated road infrastructure would not be able to cater for an influx of evacuees from the Peninsula.

Bulls Hill is an obvious solution where a large proportion of Peninsula residents can easily access.

The problem is that the road leading into Bulls Hill would be inadequate for the high demand of traffic if ever in an evacuation situation.

A State election is coming up and I feel this is an issue that needs to be taken up.

We need two lanes uphill around Bulls Hill that is likely required to pass through or around the old abattoir site.

Bulls Hill by-pass has been in the pipe line for decades.

All future politicians please advocate for the needs of Peninsula residents, so that if evacuation is required in the event of a disaster, similar to the magnitude we have witnessed in Queensland, we are ready.

Email, 17 Jan 2011 Michael Magro, Horsfield Bay