A local resident is so fed up with the lack of Council action toward drainage issues in her community that she is taking things into her own hands.
Amanda Cardwell lives in Cranebrook and has experienced extensive drainage and flooding issues on her property for years.
Cardwell attended the Penrith City Council meeting last month where a motion to deliver $7.1 million from the sale of the Emu Plains Industrial (Rocla) Project toward fixing the North Ward drainage issues as identified by an audit report was voted down.
Cardwell’s property has the run-off from other northern developments flowing through her land, which is causing major damage.
“The drainage and flooding issues we are experiencing has reached a point where they are causing significant damage and safety concerns on our property,” Cardwell said.
“The volume of water being channelled through our property far exceeds the natural flow, which has caused significant loss of land and made large portions of our property unusable and unstable.”
The unrestricted water flow through Cardwell’s property has left behind both rubbish and pollutants.
“The uncontrolled stormwater run-off flowing through our property is not filtered, resulting in the accumulation of pollutants and debris which we allege carries waste and contaminants from upstream areas and scatter across our land and degrades its environmental quality,” Cardwell said.
“The continued approval of developments that drain stormwater onto our property is causing ongoing harm. It appears to be using our private land as a solution to mitigate stormwater from developments.”
Cardwell said that hearing similar stories from other residents made her realise how large the issue really is.
“I listened to the heartbreaking stories of residents suffering from persistent drainage and flooding problems,” Cardwell said.
“One particularly moving example was a family who, after repeatedly replacing their carpet due to flooding, found themselves inundated again on the very day the new carpet was laid.
“I empathise with these community members and understand the impact of these key issues, as I have experienced them first-hand.”
It was both Cardwell’s own experience with flooding and drainage issues and the stories of other community members that compelled her to run as an Independent candidate in the upcoming Local Government Election this September.
“I have decided to run in the local election as an independent candidate in the Penrith North Ward,” Cardwell said.
“I could no longer remain on the sidelines as I witness the severe impact these issues have on our residents, including ourselves.
“It has become clear that the local community is being ignored on crucial matters in our area.
“I am committed to advocating for meaningful change and ensuring that our community’s needs are met with the urgency and attention they deserve.”
Cardwell encourages any residents who have experienced similar issues to reach out to her at http://www.facebook.com/INDCardwell to share their experiences with flooding and drainage issues.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.