An update on the Toose Road landslip: edition eleven
Published on 14 July 2022
Update to geotechnical advice on the Landslip
As per previous updates 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 concept design is being developed alongside an estimate, which will be included in the long-term options report to be discussed at the upcoming community meeting.
Construction update - short term access
Progress has again 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. Specialist rock drilling and fracturing contractors will now be utilised to remove this section of rock. Significant improvements continue to occur however on Fifes Creek Road.
Below is an update on each of the four main components of the trail:
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Cut 2 is complete.
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The Ridge Trail is complete.
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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 very slowly since hitting hard rock. Specialist resources have been briefed on the site conditions and Council are working with the specialist contractors to have the rock removed as quickly as possible. We remain confident the rock can be appropriately dealt with using the correct resources. While this is underway, resources that were working on cut 3 will be used to progress other remaining areas of construction.
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 re-sheeting, placement of cattle grids, pipes and concrete causeways.
Due to the slow progress with Cut 3, advice on the opening timeframe has been delayed as per previous updates. An opening timeframe will be shared with the community once the rock has been removed from the top of cut 3. 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 received by Council staff and is currently under review.
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. This draft report will be discussed at the upcoming community meeting to be held on the 20th of July. 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.
It is encouraging to receive updates that a number of landholders were able to take advantage of low river levels to walk stock off their property, however, Council understands some landholders require assistance to safely manage stock movements.
Council continues to advocate for support via ADF, Resilience NSW and Local Land Services.
Emergency provisions and supply
Council has requested Resilience NSW to confirm what ongoing support is able to be provisioned until December 2022.
Current staff shortages due to COVID and deployments to support regions impacted by recent severe weather is delaying response times. Council anticipates representatives from Resilience NSW to attend next week's community meeting in Bellbrook to provide a detailed response.
Flood recovery assistance
With long-term access estimated to take at least two years to complete, there may be benefit in working with a business advisor to review business operations in relation to access and transport restrictions.
The Entrepreneurs Programme is FREE and confidential. For information or to connect with an adviser contact:
Landholders have called a community meeting which will be held at 10am Wednesday 20 July at Bellbrook Hall.
Landholders and residents directly impacted by the Toose Road landslip are invited to attend.
Questions for the Mayor, General Manager and Acting Director of Operations and Planning were sought via last week’s newsletter, with one impacted resident submitting four questions. These will be answered in detail at the meeting. Further questions or agenda items can be submitted to alyson.hodgson@kempsey.nsw.gov.au
If you have any questions or issues please call Customer Service on 6566 3200 and ask to speak to the Readiness and Recovery Team.
Fifes Creek Road Resheeting (photo 1 & 2)
Fifes Creek Road Resheeting