Flooding hits Nambucca Valley as businesses, homes and farms count the cost

THE Nambucca Valley is grappling with the aftermath of one of its worst ever natural disasters, following last week’s extreme weather event that triggered widespread flooding across the region.

The Nambucca River surged well past major flood levels, peaking at 3.03 metres in Macksville, passing the 2.60 metre threshold, causing the inundation of many homes and prompting emergency evacuations.

In an interview with Sky News, Mayor Gary Lee described the flood as “catastrophic”, saying he hadn’t seen flooding of this scale in over 50 years.

While the Nambucca Valley didn’t suffer the same scale of property loss seen in Kempsey and Mid Coast local government areas, the impact was deeply felt especially in Macksville, which bore the brunt of the damage.

Businesses in Macksville’s CBD were particularly hard-hit.

Stock losses, infrastructure damage, and days without trade are just some of the challenges facing local business owners.

Ben Fuller, co-owner of Ben and Lenny’s Cafe on Princess Street, told News Of The Area, “We had ankle-deep water through our business and have had to rapidly replace many electrical fittings.”

Despite losing four days of trade, the cafe has reopened thanks to family and community support.

Other local businesses weren’t as fortunate.

Well-known boutique Lucy Fru Fru and many other businesses in the Macksville CBD experienced greater damage and stock losses, while the team at Galeria CC on Wallace Street had four sleepless nights fending off floodwaters.

“The drains on Wallace Street failed early in the rain event,” said Anthony Burton, who owns and operates the Galeria CC with his wife Felice.

“By the time the river broke its banks, water on the street was already a big problem.”

Rob Torelli of Macksville Music Station narrowly avoided disaster, with floodwaters stopping just three centimetres from entering his premises.

Fresh Dental Care, also on Princess Street, lost four days of trading after water entered the premises for the first time in 13 years.

Rural areas and smaller communities also suffered.

Bowraville was isolated for extended periods due to cut roads, though many residents commended Nambucca Valley Council for quickly restoring access to Lanes Bridge once the waters subsided.

The village of Scotts Head was cut off for nearly three days, with essential supplies running low and residents turning to social media to express concern over resupply delays.

Further inland, communities such as Taylors Arm endured extended periods of isolation, while rural properties across the valley reported significant damage to fencing, farm access roads, and feed supplies.

Macadamia grower Mick Williams reported that the already wet conditions worsened by the deluge had prevented machinery from entering orchards to harvest, potentially costing up to 30 percent of this year’s crop.

In response, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), alongside partner agencies, launched rapid damage assessments in Macksville, Bowraville, and Nambucca Heads.

The Insurance Council of Australia declared the disaster a “Significant Event,” anticipating a high number of claims.

To aid recovery efforts, the federal government has announced emergency relief payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for residents in severely affected areas.

Although floodwaters have receded, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious.

Some areas remain hazardous, and people are advised to stay informed through official channels and refrain from returning to damaged zones until deemed safe.

By Mick BIRTLES