Wauchope residents are shocked by flood damage at Rocks Ferry Reserve in Wauchope.
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Footpaths have collapsed, fences are wrapped around trees, the carpark has sunken and fish have washed onto the bank at the reserve next to the Hastings River.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is undertaking the task of assessing the damage to its infrastructure across the local government area. The repair bill is expected to be in the millions.
Real estate agent Tony Dekker said the damage is extraordinary.
"This is devastating, this is the worst I've seen. I cannot see this being repaired for a long time," Mr Dekker said.
"I can't see anyone from Wauchope launching boats here for a long time, it's been smashed."
The Hastings River at Wauchope peaked at 8.57 metres on Saturday with major flooding. The previous record of 9.5 metres was set in 1968.
Local resident and fisherman Tim Renshall said he'd never seen the reserve look as bad.
"The amount of times it has been fixed up but mother nature still wins. This is the second time I have seen the whole car park disappear," Mr Rensall said.
"This looks a lot worse than previous floods. You can see steel gates and fences wrapped around trees by the water which just shows the forces involved.
"It looks like a bomb has gone off."
Several dead fish have also washed into the car park including mullet and tuna.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council undertook extensive restoration and revetment work to combat flooding at the reserve in 2018.
A planned Wauchope Bicentenary Riverside Sculptural Trail was supposed to prominently feature a foreshore walk at Rocks Ferry Reserve this year.
Flamin' Dragons Port Macquarie have previously received a $5000 grant through the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council event sponsorship program to host their 2021 Annual Dragon Boat Regatta, at Rocks Ferry Reserve on the June long weekend.
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