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An update on the Toose Road landslip: edition eight

Published on 23 June 2022

Update to geotechnical advice on the Landslip

As per previous updates, initial Geophysics investigations have occurred at the slip site using ground penetrating radar, rock was not found within 15m depth using this technique. Subsequently, seismic field investigations have occurred with initial feedback received to date indicating rock at a depth of 17-35m. The significant depth of rock indicated from these investigations will result in the proposal of a highly complex solution. A more detailed summary of findings is expected to be received in the near future.

Note that the investigations being undertaken on the site of the slip relate to the longterm options and no immediate clearing or construction on this site has been proposed.

Construction update - short term access

Progress has been slow since the last update particularly on the final portion of cut 3. The rock experienced at the top of Cut 3 has been challenging as expected and advised in previous updates. Significant improvements continue to occur however on Fifes Creek Road.

Below is an update on each of the four main components of the trail:

• Cut 1 is complete.

• Cut 2 is now complete.

• The Ridge Trail is complete.

• Cut 3 is the most complex cut and will join an existing cut from the Telstra Tower – Toose Road trail. This cut is now approximately 97% established and has progressed slowly since last week's update (see photos). The rock at the top of Cut 3 is very hard and is making progress slow in the final stages of the cut, it is estimated a length of 15-20m remains to finalise the rough in process of this cut.

Council staff continue to work on Fifes Creek Road to ensure that the alternate route includes acceptable conditions for access into Kempsey. The Fifes Creek Road team have continued to focus on gravel resheeting, corner improvements and drainage this week.

Additional works to be completed include the continuation of gravel resheeting, placement of cattle grids, pipes and concrete causeways. Due to the slow progress with Cut 3, advice on the opening timeframe has been

delayed however, it is anticipated advice can be given in the next update. Please note that initially movement may be restricted to essential or emergency movements only.

Investigation update – long term access

As advised at community meetings the long-term reinstatement of a publicly accessible road is likely to take in the order of two years.

These access options are being considered in more detail, a project team within GHD are working on mapping formal route options and costings. Progress is being made on the development of these options with a draft report now being reviewed by the GHD team prior to provision to and review by Council.

Once the draft report is finalised, community input and feedback will be sought when needed with the aim of selecting a suitable long-term option to allow detailed planning and consultation to commence, noting the feedback that has already been received to date from landowners with a preference of repairing the slip.

A longer term access solution decision shall also be in collaboration with Transport for NSW who administer natural disaster funding for restoration of road assets.

Stock movements

Council has connected Local Land Services with Resilience NSW to review potential resourcing of temporary stock yards to extend the capacity of yards at the Traveling Stock Route (TSR) by Five Day Creek off Towal Road (#R1002042).

LLS is liaising with relevant stakeholders directly. Refer also to Update 6 and 7 with respect to potential support from the ADF and Transport for NSW. Council staff await feedback from these agencies. The short term access shall also be able to be assessed as to suitability to provide for stock movements once nearing or fully complete.

Emergency provisions and supply

Resilience NSW has confirmed a bulk feed air resupply for Thursday 30 June. All inclusions have been confirmed.

*Resilience NSW will not lift any goods not detailed on the confirmed manifest.

Flood recovery assistance

Council is liaising with Service Australia to bring specialist Disaster Grant Officers to Bellbrook to help resident’s whose income has been directly impacted by the landslip apply for grants.

Council's Readiness & Recovery Team will be in direct contact with residents once a date is confirmed.

More information

If you have any questions or issues please call Customer Service on 6566 3200 and ask to speak to the Readiness and Recovery Team.