Flooding across the Southern Highlands has taken the life of a Mittagong man. Police have confirmed the man died after being trapped in his vehicle in Mittagong Creek at Bowral on Sunday evening.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has expressed condolences to the man’s family.

“This is heartbreaking and a shocking wake-up to us all about the danger of local creeks and river crossings. I encourage everyone to take great care as water levels remain high,” he said. A man has died in flooding in Canberra, as has a man at Leppington near Hume.

Mr Taylor visited businesses along Picton’s main street after flooding on Sunday night.

Stonequarry Creek reached a height of 12 metres, five metres higher than its flood level. The Weather Bureau has confirmed the following rainfall readings for parts of the Highlands and Picton areas between Friday night and Monday morning:

Robertson (top of the catchment) 617mm

Picton (Stonequarry Creek) 334mm

Camden Airport 289mm

“The water swept out as quickly as it swept in. It was virtually a tidal wave,” Mr Taylor said. “In the worst areas, it was probably six feet above street level, everything up to eye level has been destroyed. State Emergency Services Minister David Elliott was contacted on Sunday night to have an SES crew diverted from Goulburn to Picton. I also contacted the Rapid Response Team who set up catering support in Picton’s IGA carpark on Monday, offering hot drinks and a barbecue to local business staff and SES volunteers. A big thanks to Ron Arkcoll from Goulburn and Ben Noble from Thirlmere who responded to the call.

“I walked along Argyle Street on Monday morning and took a look inside Picton IGA with owner Robert Khan. I know a lot of these small business owners and they have been totally gutted by what’s happened. Everyone will have to refit their premises and replace equipment. They don’t know whether to get back up again or give up.

“I am very concerned that the community provides strong support to these people in coming weeks who have lost so much.”

Mr Taylor said the community was still waiting for power to be restored. 

“I will be working closely with the NSW Government as a determination is made on the natural disaster status of Picton and subsequent Federal financial support. I understand council will be establishing a recovery committee and assisting with what will be a massive clean-up.”

Anyone requiring emergency assistance should contact the SES on 132 500.