Seven flood events in the past 15 months has caused significant damage to the shire's roads and stormwater infrastructure, which the council says could take up to two years to rectify.
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As waters subside from the most recent deluge, Bega Valley Shire contractors are working as quickly as they are able to ensure safe access for the community and road users.
However, even once the roads and bridges are accessible and temporarily repaired "restoring transport assets to their pre-disaster condition may take up to two years" the Bega Valley Shire Council said.
Among the locations significantly damaged was Merimbula Drive, where a sinkhole opened up underneath the roadway. Repairs have been carried out with diversions to be lifted this week.
Meanwhile, Transport NSW has carried out geotechnical inspections of several landslips on the Princes Hwy north of Bega.
A large landslip at Coopers Gully, while appearing substantial, posed no immediate risk to road users they said, and traffic is continuing to use this section of highway while further assessment is carried out.
"This section of road will continue to be monitored with repairs scheduled to be carried out in the coming months."
BVSC project leader for recovery, rebuilding and resilience Chris Horsburgh said while the shire had experienced floods in the past, the size and location of many of the current damages highlighted the unprecedented weather events of the last 18 months.
"Restoration and repairs of these flood damaged transport assets are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)," Mr Horsburgh said.
"Contractor availability is also a factor in delays to restoration work. All DRFA work must be undertaken by an external contractor and not council staff.
"There is a high volume of civil works being undertaken across the shire and neighbouring shires and we are essentially 'sharing' contractor resources, resulting in delayed start times and potential cost increases.
"Although disaster recovery is a focus, Council is still delivering a wide range of other externally funded projects across the shire that have delivery deadlines, so the community will continue to see more than just recovery happening."
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
