Central Coast Council has installed a Flood Warning System at Burns Road, Ourimbah to provide timely warning of road closures to motorists and reduce the risk of vehicles becoming stranded in flood waters.

The Flood Warning System consists of four road closed signs with flashing LED lights installed on Burns Road and a water level sensor located at Bangalow Creek. The signs will only flash when the road becomes flooded. A camera with a solar panel and sensor was also installed to monitor the road conditions, especially during flooding.

Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning Luke Nicholls said the flood warning signage will allow for effective road management during and after flood events.

“Burns Road, Ourimbah was identified for the Flood Warning System due to its flood-prone nature and its associated risks to the residents and travellers as a well-used road in the area,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The four LED signs automatically provide early warning to motorists when the causeway over Bangalow Creek and the area just before the railway underpass is inundated with water helping to alert and prevent motorists from entering dangerous flood waters.

“The road closure signs are triggered by water level thresholds at Bangalow Creek. When levels rise, a sensor activates a flood camera, turns on the signs, and alerts State Emergency Service (SES) and Council. Once water recedes, the system switches off the signs and sends a follow-up notification, allowing for effective road management during and after flood events.

“The camera also captures flood images providing Council with detailed information on the changes in water levels during a flood event and helps to improve Council’s understanding of local flood behaviour.”

Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna, said road safety during flooding is a risk Council want to help mitigate.

“Entering floodwaters is one of the biggest risks during severe weather, especially in regions like the Central Coast with many waterways. The new technology installed at Burns Road, Ourimbah is a welcome step toward improving road safety and helping the community stay informed during flood events,” Mayor McKinna said.

The Flood Warning System is proudly jointly funded by Commonwealth and NSW State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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