Evacuation Order in place for Stuarts Point

Published on 27 March 2021

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The Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) has issued an evacuation order for residents at Stuarts Point on the state’s Mid North Coast as at 9.30pm Friday 26 March 2021.

Onsite septic systems have discharged into yards and streets at Stuarts Point, 45km north of Kempsey on the Mid North Coast, due to rises in the groundwater caused by the recent weather event, impacting at least 45 homes.

NSW Heath has confirmed there is a risk of faecal matter and bacteria in the discharge, resulting in a public health risk to people who may come into contact with the water.

As a result of the identified public health risk, the LEOCON managing the Kempsey flood situation has declared a danger area and issued an evacuation order under Section 60L of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act.

At this time, Ocean, First, Second, Third, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth Avenues are in the declared zone.

The evacuation operation has commenced and multiple agencies are now in the area to assisting residents to evacuate their homes to a nearby youth camp at Yarrahapinni.

Emergency services will be doorknocking in the area and residents will be assessed by NSW Health staff for signs or symptoms of illness at the evacuation centre prior to admission.

Anyone who arranges private accommodation out of the area will be still required to attend the evacuation centre to undergo an assessment and register prior to departure.

Any vehicles in the affected water are not authorised to move and will be detained.

Vehicles outside the contaminated area can be moved but occupants must undergo decontamination and evacuation registration prior to departure.

The need for the evacuation order will be assessed daily, but residents are advised it may last between seven to ten days.

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.