Tumbulgum counting the cost of latest flood
TUMBULGUM residents were counting the cost on Thursday of a flood that some say was the worst they have seen in more than 30 years.
Gary Wittaker was helping a neighbour after he cleaned downstairs at his own place when it was inundated with flood water almost a metre deep.
"I have been here 20 years and it's the highest I have seen it," Mr Wittaker said.
"I've been restoring a (Holden) HX under the house and that went under. I just put in new upholstery and that cost me about $3000."
Mr Wittaker said the car was not insured.
Helen Kenny has living in Tumbulgum for the past 30 years and had never seen flood water so high.
"I put everything up an extra foot over the '89 floods and it still wasn't high enough," Ms Kenny said.
Ms Kenny was putting damaged furniture onto the street.
"I haven't seen a council worker here at all until today or the SES," Ms Kenny said.
Tweed mayor Barry Longland was touring Tumbulgum on Thursday inspecting the worse affected areas.
"It was heart wrenching to see some of the damage that occurred," Cr Longland said.
"The council is going to do the clean up in that area.
"We have some work crews ready to help residents."
Cr Longland said he could not help but feel emotional as he visited Tumbulgum residents affected by the flooding.
