Drainage continues to be a major problem in the northern parts of Penrith and one family is demanding for more to be done.
Sarah Vassallo and Robert Craig live on a property in Londonderry which has experienced significant flooding and erosion problems due to unresolved drainage issues on the land surrounding their property.
Vassallo and Craig where both present at a Penrith City Council meeting last month where a motion to spend $7.1 million to fix drainage and flooding issues in the North Ward as identified by a Council-ordered audit report was voted against.
Craig has taken to cleaning the affected areas himself in order to mitigate some of the adverse effects on his property.
“We sort of keep this area tidy, but this is not part of our property, our property is where the fence is,” Craig said.
When it rains heavily the area surrounding the property becomes a major through way for water. The build-up of fallen trees and debris from the flow of water allows the excess water to impact their property.
“It (the water) comes up to the fence line [and] over the top of the fence along the back here,” Craig explained.
“So, it’s four-foot deep into the paddock but it’s not too bad yet.
“But each time I turn around it comes up further.”
Vassallo believes there are others in her community who face issues worse than her but knows that her family has had to pay to fix issues they didn’t cause.
She is worried about what the future holds for her property.
“The water comes further and further and it’s scary how quick it’s coming up too,” Vassallo said.
“I hate saying this, but we are one of the lucky ones.
“We are probably better off than others, but still.
“At one point we had to fix the whole fencing, out of pocket.”
Vassallo shared that she feels extremely disappointed by the current representation her and her community receive from their elected representatives.
She is hoping for change after next month’s Council election.
“I am beyond disappointed because this is a basic need and we would love for more things to happen out here in the North Ward,” Vassallo said.
“So, anything else we need or want in this community we are not getting because we are… not even getting the basic needs of our land being protected [and] maintained.
“So, even asking for this feels like it is so much for Council to hear us, it feels like we are asking too much but it isn’t.
“It is just a basic need and it’s only going to get worse and be bigger and a more expensive problem.”
The drainage issue is expected to be reassessed by the new Council following the September Local Government Election.
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.