I live in Bottlebrush Crescent in Suffolk Park. In 2022 our houses were flooded due to heavy rain and, in my opinion, inadequate or non-maintenance of the drain on the property of 41 Bottlebrush Dr. At the time this property was being developed for the sale of land parcels.
After the flood a Byron Council representative came to investigate the catchment area and it was obvious that the drain on the southern side had been blocked and that the northern side had not been built up. This resulted in several houses in Coogera Crescent as well as our properties in Bottlebrush Dr being awash with flood water. The councillor assured us that when the development application (DA) was lodged these two problem areas would have to be addressed for approval.
The DA was passed and neither problem was solved. 2024 and we have flooded again! After extensive emails to Byron Council a reply said they would look at the catchment area at the end of 2025
Meanwhile we are again facing high rainfalls…
I contacted Council to request, at the very least, could sandbags be placed at the overflow end to prevent more damage? The answer was no, this required an engineer investigation. I then contacted the SES to ask for sandbags to protect our houses. I was told to go to the hardware store and buy some! I am 72 years old.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
