Let it drain, let it drain! A deep dive into Greater Shepparton’s Drainage

Greater Shepparton boasts an extensive network of approximately 448 kilometres of drainage pipes, all working tirelessly beneath our feet to manage stormwater and maintain the health of our urban environment. This intricate system is essential for preventing flooding, reducing pollution and ensuring our streets and properties remain safe and dry.

Adapting to Changing Rainfall Patterns

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts more intense rainfall events in the future. Currently, Greater Shepparton's drainage systems aren't designed to handle these sudden, heavy downpours, which means we may see water lingering on surfaces more frequently and for longer periods. It's important to understand that localised stormwater drainage typically takes between three to four hours—and sometimes up to 10 hours—to subside. We ask residents to wait before reporting concerns, as this is a normal part of the drainage process.

Prioritising Maintenance and Upgrades

Our dedicated team prioritise drainage maintenance based on known hotspots and the age of infrastructure. Inspectors diligently search for cracks and blockages, passing their findings to our maintenance crews for cleaning and repairs. Currently, we're upgrading century-old sewer systems, including brick pits, to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Gross Pollutant Traps: Catching the Big Stuff

To keep our waterways clean, Council has installed Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) at key locations throughout the municipality. These devices capture litter and debris from stormwater before it enters our rivers and streams. GPTs are located at:

• McFarlane Rd, Mooroopna
• Vaughan St (west end), Shepparton
• Broken River Drive at Colliver Rd, Shepparton
• Archer St at River Rise, Shepparton
• The Boulevard at Knight St, Shepparton

These traps play a crucial role in preventing large pollutants from clogging our drainage systems and polluting our natural waterways.

Retardation Basins: Nature's Holding Patterns

Retardation basins are designed to temporarily hold stormwater during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of downstream flooding. Some of our parks are built within these basins, serving a dual purpose of recreation and flood management. So, next time you see water pooling in these areas, rest assured it's all part of the plan!

Water Sensitive Urban Design and Swale Drains

We're embracing Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles to create a more sustainable and resilient urban environment. One such feature is the swale drain—a shallow, vegetated channel that slows down stormwater runoff, allowing it to infiltrate the soil and filter out pollutants. These green corridors not only manage water but also enhance the beauty of our streetscapes.

Our Drainage Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep our drainage system flowing smoothly. We focus on areas with older pipes and known issues, conducting routine inspections and cleaning to prevent blockages and ensure optimal performance.

The Lifecycle of a Drain: From Raindrop to River

You may not often think about where water goes after it disappears down a drain.

1. Rainfall lands on roads, rooftops and footpaths.
2. Stormwater drains capture and direct the flow.
3. Pipes channel water to retardation basins or Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs).
4. Sediment and rubbish are filtered before the water reaches natural waterways.
5. The system repeats—keeping Greater Shepparton’s environment clean and safe!

The Cost of Drain Blockages: Why Prevention Matters

Blocked drains aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re expensive to fix (draining the budget). When debris, litter, or green waste clogs the system:

• Emergency callouts are required for hydro vacuum removal.
• Flooding can occur in streets and low-lying areas.
• Infrastructure damage may need costly repairs.

Drains Are Not Dumpsters: What You Can Do

• Dispose of leaves and grass clippings properly—don’t blow them into gutters.
• Secure rubbish bins on windy days to prevent litter entering drains.
• Pick up plastic waste when you see it—every small action helps!
• Use garden-friendly fertilisers to prevent nutrient runoff into waterways.

How Greater Shepparton is Future-Proofing Drainage

Given the forecast for more intense rainfall, you might wonder what long-term improvements are happening.

Council’s drainage improvements include:

• Retrofitting old brick pits with modern concrete structures.
• Installing more Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) to keep waterways clean.
• Expanding Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) with more swale drains and rain gardens.
• Improving mapping and tracking through GIS & GEO-CORTEX.

From Drainpipes to Kerbside Bins

Did you know that Shepparton’s old drainage pipes are getting a second life… as kerbside bins?

As part of Council’s commitment to sustainability and waste reduction, decommissioned drainage pipes are being recycled and repurposed into new kerbside bins for households across Greater Shepparton.

Instead of ending up as landfill, these old pipes are processed and transformed into durable, long-lasting bins.

This initiative reduces waste, supports a circular economy, and gives old infrastructure a new purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions