Construction has begun on a $15 million flood mitigation project in Bexley North, delivering long-awaited protection to hundreds of homes that have experienced repeated flooding from Bardwell Creek.

The project, jointly funded by Bayside Council and the NSW Government, will upgrade stormwater infrastructure and create additional flood storage capacity to prevent the devastating inundations that have struck the area during major storm events.

“We’ve been fighting for this for over a decade,” said Bardwell Creek Flood Action Group convenor Patricia Wong. “People have lost everything multiple times. Finally, something is being done.”

The Problem

The area around Bardwell Creek and its tributaries has experienced significant flooding events in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2022. During the 2022 event, over 150 homes were inundated, with damages estimated at $45 million.

The flooding results from a combination of factors:

• Urban development reducing natural absorption capacity
• Undersized drainage infrastructure designed for smaller catchments
• Climate change increasing intensity of storm events
• Limited flood storage capacity in the creek system

Residents in the worst-affected streets have reported repeated insurance claims, soaring premiums, and difficulty selling properties.

“My house has flooded four times in ten years,” said Stoney Creek Road resident Harold Chen. “Insurance won’t cover us anymore. We couldn’t sell if we tried. This project is literally saving our homes.”

Project Components

The flood mitigation works include:

Drainage Upgrades

• Larger capacity pipes under Bexley Road and surrounding streets
• New drainage connections to existing stormwater network
• Upgraded inlet structures to prevent blockages
• Improved maintenance access for council crews

Flood Storage Basin

• New detention basin in Bardwell Park
• Capacity to hold 25 megalitres during peak storm events
• Controlled release to prevent downstream flooding
• Landscaped integration with park facilities

Creek Improvements

• Removal of vegetation and debris blocking flow
• Bank stabilisation to prevent erosion
• Fish-friendly structures where practical
• Upstream early warning gauges

Property Protection

• Individual flood resilience grants for affected properties
• Subsidised flood barriers for eligible homes
• Improved local drainage on residential streets

Construction Timeline

Work is scheduled over two years:

• September 2025 - March 2026: Drainage upgrade works
• April - September 2026: Flood storage basin construction
• October 2026 - March 2027: Creek improvements and landscaping
• April 2027: Project completion

Some road closures and traffic disruptions will occur during the drainage phase. Council will provide advance notice of significant impacts.

Community Response

The project’s commencement brought emotional reactions from long-affected residents.

“I cried when I saw the earthmovers arrive,” admitted Wong. “After so many years of being told it was too expensive, too complicated, too whatever—finally, someone listened.”

Bayside Council Mayor Christina O’Connor acknowledged the long wait. “This community has shown remarkable resilience and persistence. They advocated, they organised, they never gave up. This project is a testament to their efforts.”

What Residents Can Do

While infrastructure work proceeds, council urges residents to maintain their own flood preparedness:

• Know your flood risk and have an evacuation plan
• Register for emergency alerts through the SES
• Don’t store valuables in areas prone to flooding
• Keep drains on your property clear of debris
• Consider individual flood resilience measures

Residents with questions about the project can contact Bayside Council’s infrastructure team or attend monthly community briefings at Bexley North Community Centre.