Temporary speed limits set for Nepean, Hawkesbury rivers
Hazardous post-flood conditions spark temporary speed restrictions on two NSW inland waterwaysNSW Maritime has announced speed limits on the Nepean and Hawkesbury river system as flood debris continues to flow out to sea.
The 15-knot limit, in force from tomorrow, will apply to all waters west of the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge at Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River, the Nepean River, and both rivers’ tributaries.
NSW Maritime also said delaying all non-essential boating until the debris had cleared from the river systems would help with its management.
The state has struggled to make conditions safe again after a week of extreme weather, including heavy rainfall, created hazardous conditions along almost the entire eastern coastline of NSW.
One-in-100-year flooding washed fast-moving and potentially dangerous debris into many of the state’s inland river systems that are slowly making their way into the ocean.
Boaters heading offshore are reporting large pieces of semi-submerged debris, ranging from trees to water tanks, furniture, domestic whitegoods and even sunken boats, that have ended up miles off the NSW coastline.
The state is also grappling again with potentially hundreds of navigation markers that the floods have either dragged off-station or broken free and been lost. NSW Maritime said the clean-up work to restore moved or missing markers would start once the hazardous conditions had eased.
The large amounts of debris washing out to sea also forced organisers to cancel the annual Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race over fears that the boats competing in the event risked damage and maybe even sinking if they hit one of the hazards.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
