When Ash and his family moved to Koolilabah Lane, Penrose, he didn't expect to be cut off from the rest of the community three weeks later.
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Heavy rainfall has damaged the dirt road which has left residents unable to leave their property or access supplies.
"We've had these torrential rains and everything's escalated to a new level," Ash explained.
"We're completely off-grid here. We use diesel for our electricity and we can't get fuel.
"We've only been in residency for three weeks. We e couldn't get a removalist truck in. We're sleeping on a mattress on the floor."
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Ash said the residents of Koolilabah Lane had previously contacted the council and the Department of Industries who manages crown land to try and get the road fixed.
"The residents of Koolilabah Lane Penrose are getting desperate and we need help," he said.
"We feel that neither Wingecarribee Shire Council nor the DPI will take responsibility for the road which continues to deteriorate.
"Emergency services vehicles cannot access these properties. This lane is the only access road for the ratepayers."
Ash said residents needed access to the road for urgent deliveries of diesel and gas as the properties were off-grid.
"There are also elderly owners with medical conditions and diabetics who live on the lane," he explained.
"And whilst it's not a major road, it's the first turn off from Penrose.
"It's the corner of the local school, it's quite a key road in Penrose and so we just kind of don't know what to do.
However, despite the difficult situation, Ash said he was grateful for the community support.
"A big thank you to all of the local community who has banded together to help the residents here," he said.
A Wingecarribee Shire Council spokesperson confirmed that the road was managed by crown lands.
"The council has no authority or permit to undertake work on the road and would require permission from the responsible minister," they said.
"The council suggests the property owner contact Crown Lands to start a discussion as to how the road can be repaired.
"The road requires proper construction with drainage."
There are approximately 2000 kilometres of roads across the shire that are not constructed.
A spokesperson for the Department of Industries said Crown Lands were exploring further options with the government for disaster funding, and would work with Wingecarribee Shire Council to ensure the road could be restored to use as quickly as possible.
"Wingecarribee local government area has been declared under the natural disaster declarations, so the council may apply for natural disaster funding from Transport for NSW for restoration of access," they said.
"At this time only councils can apply for such funding, including for Crown roads. Crown Lands would support any application by the council for such disaster funding."
If residents require assistance during floods or storms call the SES on 132 500.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
