Dozens of Oakhampton residents were stranded during the deluge that hit the Hunter in January when the resulting flood left them with no route to and from their suburb after Scobies Lane was inundated.

The only way to access Oakhampton was a road from Walka Water Works that crossed three private properties, which was locked with a chain at the time.

State Emergency Service workers helped people come and go from their homes in a boat at certain times during the flood and also took groceries and medicine to some homes, but residents were otherwise stranded for several days.

Cr Philip Penfold raised a notice of motion at the first council meeting of the year on Tuesday, which called for the city to investigate possible ways to make Oakhampton more easily ­accessible during floods, without the need for the SES to intervene.

“During two flood events in the past year, approximately 20 to 30 homes in the affected area were cut off due to flooding of Scobies Lane,” he wrote in the motion. 

“Most recently, that flooding cut the only road in/out for almost a week. 

“Some of the current residents in these homes have high-needs disabilities.”

Cr Penfold wants council to investigate the cost, permission required and the resulting liability as well as the condition of the access road to see whether a better solution could be arranged.

“While the SES went above and beyond in providing assistance and part-time access, I would think it worth reporting on the possibility of council arranging access without the need to draw upon SES resources at such times,” he said.

“I would hope that for at least part of each day during the flooding of Scobies Lane, arrangements can be made to allow access.”

Council staff noted the issue had been raised by several Oakhampton residents since January and a report would be prepared for councillors on possible solutions.