THE owners of properties across the Mornington Peninsula impacted by recent heavy rains are demanding Mornington Peninsula Shire Council urgently improve storm water drainage.
While storm water drainage comes under complex shared responsibility rules, where councils are responsible for the water between the discharge point, kerb and channel, and the landowner is responsible for their own pipes and drains, residents are not letting the council off the hook.
One resident who did not wish to be identified, said her home was flooded and left uninhabitable after storms on 7 January.
The woman said it was clear from the extent of the flooding and the number of homes impacted that the shire’s drainage infrastructure was inadequate and that calls to the council for help are falling on deaf ears.
“I have called the council several times to resolve drainage issues that are their responsibility, but had not heard back one week later,” she said.
“We are now under threat of more rain, and it’s quite frightening.
“We have contacted them but heard absolutely nothing.’’
Briars Ward councillor Steve Holland said the council had inherited a “flooding problem”, particularly in Mount Eliza and was looking at ways to resolve the issue.
“I’ve had a flurry of phone calls and emails after the recent downpour with reports of major flooding events, particularly in and around the Ranelagh Estate, in Mount Eliza, where drainage problems have been longstanding for many years,” he said.
“The cause of any flooding will be investigated and if any immediate works can take place to clear blockages or increase capacity we will endeavour to do so.
“As a councillor, I am acutely aware of legacy drainage concerns and the need to prioritise these works.’’
Cr Holland said he had spoken to many residents impacted by the flooding and is encouraging people to make submissions to the 2022-23 budget.
‘’We have placed drainage projects on our default listing as one of the items residents can select o prioritise.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 1 February 2022
