RESIDENTS have been advised the Hibbard Ferry will cease operations on Friday, March 23 as flood waters mix with high tides on the Hastings River.
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An SMS alert was issued at about 2.30pm advising residents to use the Settlement Point ferry. School buses have been notified.
The Hastings River at Settlement Point was expected to reach the minor flood level 1.2m by Friday afternoon.
Areas affected include Settlement Point, Hibbard, Fernbank Creek, Oaks Crescent and communities on the North Shore of Port Macquarie.
Flood water may start to come across low lying sections of the following roads and enter low lying properties in:
- Hastings River Drive and Settlement Point Road
- North Shore - Shoreline Drive, Wombat Close, Dolphin Court & Marlin Place
- Maria River Road
- The Aquatic and Marina Caravan Parks
In addition possible rises in the Maria and Wilsons Rivers may exacerbate and hasten the onset of flooding within the area.
Consequently there is a possibility that residents in these areas may become isolated due to the Settlement Point and Hibbard ferries ceasing operations and the inundation and subsequent closure of low lying roads and bridges.
Vulnerable people in this area should consider early relocation due to possible isolation and interruptions to supply of essential utilities and services.
Meanwhile one lane of the Oxley Highway has reopened in Long Flat, about 50km west of Port Macquarie, as flood water recedes.
One lane remains closed, but the diversion via the New England Highway and Waterfall Way has been lifted.
Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions are in place on the open lane, with traffic crews escorting motorists through.
Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time and exercise caution.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.