Council monitoring Stuarts Point groundwater levels

Published on 05 July 2022

Kempsey Shire Council is closely monitoring the groundwater situation in Stuarts Point as the weather system impacting the east coast of Australia has the potential to deliver heavy rain in the coming days.

As part of a wider warning, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for the Macleay River with the potential for Minor Flooding.

In response, Kempsey Shire Council has scaled up the monitoring of groundwater levels and commenced preparations for emergency pumping should it be required including additional staffing provisions and initial contact with key agencies. 

The groundwater table graphs have flattened with the fresh rain. Levels are currently approximately 1.31m below the high seen in March and April.

Stuarts Point experienced extremely high groundwater levels following the March flood with dwellings saved from damage through the use of above ground pumps.

Groundwater levels fall at a very slow rate, however while they are still at an elevated level, they fell consistently in the recent extended drier period.

Council is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as required.