Council, Department of Transport & Planning discuss stormwater issues

Published on 04 September 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council is continuing to implement improvements to the municipality’s urban stormwater system.

Council staff met on 27 August with Victorian Department of Transport and Planning representatives to investigate ways to improve stormwater drainage, specifically in areas where the local network intersects with roads managed by the department.

As part of the discussions, Council and department representatives inspected current drainage infrastructure located along Airport Road, Kerang, which assists with draining stormwater away from properties along Borough Drive.

“The Borough Drive estate was one of many areas impacted by flash flooding the Gannawarra experienced on Christmas Day 2023 and during the first week of this year, which left residents working with emergency authorities to pump water off properties,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Any improvements to drainage along Airport Road will reduce pressure on Kerang’s stormwater network, which will reduce the impact of future events and provide peace of mind for residents.”

Earlier this year Council identified more than 40 projects that would help improve its urban stormwater network during future urban flooding events, with three of these located along Airport Road:

• Installing larger drains along Airport Road from Borough Drive.
• Installing an extra culvert at Airport Road/Borough Drive intersection.
• Diverting excess water onto Kerang Aerodrome site.

“Council continues to investigate how all stormwater improvement projects can be implemented, which will enable an increased level of service to be provided to mitigate risks associated with these storm events,” Mr Rollinson said.

ABOVE: Gannawarra Shire Council Senior Civil Project Officer, Luke Carracher (left), Department of Transport and Planning Director Regional Operations - Development, Dale Ashby and Council's Manager Projects and Design, Leigh Hollingworth met to investigate ways to improve stormwater drainage throughout the Gannawarra, specifically in areas where the local network intersects with roads managed by the department.