Woollahra Council seeks feedback on a $3M flood plan for Paddington's Cecil Street ahead of storm season, as experts urge residents to check home drains.
New South Wales, Australia, September 14, 2026 -- Woollahra Council is seeking feedback on a proposed $3 million flood mitigation project for Cecil Street, one of Paddington’s most flood-affected areas. Consultation is open until Wednesday, 30 September.
As NSW enters its September-to-April storm season, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) data shows the scale of severe weather impacts recorded last season:
- 23,416+ incidents responded to by NSW SES
- Around 7,000 incidents involving fallen trees
- More than 6,500 incidents involving leaking or damaged roofs
This year presents a potentially overlooked contrast. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts below-average spring rainfall across parts of southern and eastern Australia.
However, a drier seasonal outlook does not mean the storm season will be free from periods of heavy rainfall. Short bursts of intense rain can still place pressure on stormwater infrastructure, particularly in areas where drainage capacity is already limited.
A 2019 Council flood study identified Cecil Street and Cecil Lane as some of Paddington’s most flood-affected areas. Modelled flood depths reached 0.2 to 0.4 metres in a 20% AEP event (a 20% annual chance), and more than one metre in a 1% AEP event.
The potential cost is also significant. Across the wider Rushcutters Bay catchment, earlier Council modelling estimated average annual flood damages at $1.34 million.
While major flood mitigation requires broader infrastructure improvements, homeowners can reduce avoidable risks by ensuring their own drainage systems are ready for heavy rainfall.
Josh Stedman, Director of Mint Plumbing & Relining, said:
“A drier seasonal forecast doesn’t mean homeowners can ignore their drains. It only takes one period of intense rainfall for an existing blockage or drainage problem to become much more serious.”
“The warning signs are often there before a storm hits. Slow drainage, water pooling around outdoor drains or repeated overflows can indicate a problem that should be checked before heavy rain arrives.”
Homeowners who notice ongoing drainage issues or are unsure whether their stormwater system is ready for heavy rainfall should seek advice from a licensed plumbing professional before severe weather arrives.
For more information on Mint Plumbing & Relining, use the following contact details:
Contact Info:
Name: Josh Stedman
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mint Plumbing & Relining
Address: Shop 1/85 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: +612.91400170
Website: https://mintplumbingandrelining.com.au/
Release ID: 89203256
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