Kiama Council's partnership with Shellharbour City Council to improve flood management on Swamp Road is paying dividends, with the support of grant funding from the Office of Local Government.

Council has secured $150,000 in funding to implement a pre-warning management system at this key thoroughfare, which spans both local government areas.

This jointly managed initiative aims to reduce flood-related risks and improve the efficiency of road closures during heavy rainfall events.

Kiama Council director of infrastructure and operations Darren Brady said the funding and collaboration would make a significant difference.

“This project demonstrates the value of cross-council partnerships in enhancing community safety during emergencies.”

There are five key elements to the project.

Coordinated Flood Response: Kiama and Shellharbour Councils will continue to close Swamp Road when rising water levels make the road impassable.

Manual Boom Gate Installations: New manually operated boom gates will replace temporary barriers that are prone to damage or removal during storms. Shellharbour Council recently completed installation of a gate on their side of Swamp Road.

Consistency in Design: Kiama Council will adopt the same gate design and dimensions to maintain a consistent approach across both jurisdictions.

Expedited Delivery: Negotiations are underway for Kiama to acquire a prefabricated gate from Shellharbour to fast-track the installation process.

Enhanced Signage: Procurement is in progress for additional flashing light signage to alert motorists during closures.

With the region being inundated with rain this week due to the East Coast Low, flood management is an increasingly urgent issue for local residents.