Drainage pits considered for Neptune St

Drainage infiltration pits could be installed in Neptune St, Umina, in future years to address issues of drainage and water damage to the road.

Gosford Council is currently identifying and prioritising sites for minor drainage improvement works in Neptune St, according to acting engineering services manager Ms Margie Azmi.

The works are mainly expected to involve the installation of infiltration pits, which are suitable for areas with sandy soils.

The action comes after several complaints about the state of the road were lodged by residents of Cooinda Village.

However, in the short term, council staff are only offering routine maintenance.

The residents had complained that water collects on the road causing potholes after it rains and, until the water is able to drain away, the road is unusable by residents of the Village.

"The road breaks down every rainstorm and is pathetically patched up till the next showers, where once more, we are subjected to a swimming pool across the road," said resident Ms Zoe Russell.

Another Village resident Ms Carol Lee said the Village was at the closed eastern end of Trafalgar St and this portion of Neptune St carried a "huge overload" of traffic.

"Several metres of the eastern end the road is badly graded and has no drainage," she said.

"Pedestrians are not the only disadvantaged members of our community, but many people do depend on the support of walkers, that do not push well into pot holes, and gophers or motorised scooters and wheelchairs.

"The use of these aids is now prohibited for long periods of time because of the persistent, long-time neglect and failure of Council to address any issues in this area," she said.

Ms Lee claimed that countless complaints, photographs, letters and phone calls had been made to Council with no result.

However, Ms Azmi said Council was aware of the problem.

"Council is aware of the drainage issues associated with many of the roads on the Peninsula.

"Neptune St has been assessed as warranting the installation of such a device and it is anticipated that improvements will occur when the infiltration pits are installed," said Ms Azmi.

"Council has recently prepared the Woy Woy Peninsula Flood Study to establish the various causes of flooding in the Peninsula area.

"The study will be used as a basis for developing a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan in accordance with the NSW State Government's Floodplain Development Manual.

"The Plan will include a range of management options including the use of Water Sensitive Urban Design principles," she said.

Ms Azmi said works identified under this Plan will be prioritised and funded in future Capital Works Programs.

"In the meantime, Council's maintenance section will continue to inspect and undertake routine maintenance in Neptune St as part of the area maintenance program," she said.

Email, 13 May 2011 Margie Azmi, Gosford Council Letter, 10 May 2011 Carol Lee, Umina