Testers Hollow: it’s time to raise the road

Testers Hollow – the border of the Cessnock and Maitland local government areas – reopened to traffic on Thursday, 16 days after the April 21 storm forced its closure.

When Fishery Creek overflowed the day after the storm, Gillieston Heights became an island for a week, only accessible by boat.

Ms. Warby – who has lived between Cliftleigh and Gillieston Heights all of her life – said residents have asked for the road to be raised many times over the years with no action.

“People have always talked about it, raising the road to bring it above the flood level.

“It is time for something to be done.”

She said it’s not just the inconvenience, but for safety reasons, that the road needs to be improved.

While the online petition at change.org has been signed by more than 1000 people, a paper copy needs to have 10,000 signatures to be tabled to parliament.

Petitions are available at Heddon Greta and Cliftleigh service stations, Heddon Greta Hotel, Gillieston Heights shop and Maitland Park Bowling Club.

“We are hoping that with persistence and lots of support, we can make a change,” Ms. Warby said.

Roads and Maritime Services has carried out investigations at Testers Hollow including a review of the Maitland City Council flood study, flood modelling and analysis and a detailed survey of the road for proposed options to prevent flooding.

“The investigations demonstrate any solution to provide a flood-free route through Testers Hollow is a complex one requiring both flood mitigation and road-related measures,” an RMS spokesperson said.

“Roads and Maritime is working with Maitland City Council, the Office of Environment and Heritage and Planning and Environment to develop a solution for the area.

“Local government and the community will continue to be supported to ensure roads are repaired as quickly as possible in disaster-affected areas.”