Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 17 April, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 17th of April, 2024,
Greater Shepparton City Council is continuing to prioritise stormwater drainage asset management across the region, with recent extreme rainfall events putting pressure on the ageing infrastructure.
In summary:
There are more than 450km of stormwater pipes and over 60 pump stations across Greater Shepparton, with the majority designed and constructed 40-50 years ago. With design standards having changed since the construction of these pipes, Council is dealing with areas of the system that are under capacity and are unable to meet the increased demand.
Recent data from the Bureau of Meteorology predicts storms in Victoria are going to become more intense over the next 20-30 years with storms occurring less often, however more rainfall will occur in a shorter amount of time. Similar weather patterns have been experienced in recent months, with several extreme rainfall events hitting the region.
Council’s Manager Engineering and Assets, Ben Gannon, said the region’s stormwater pipe network is not designed to deal with these extreme types of weather events which are becoming more common.
“The standards for stormwater drainage have changed over recent years to cater for the extreme weather patterns we are experiencing, which means our current infrastructure is struggling. Because of this you will see more water sitting stagnant on roads and footpaths for a few hours following a storm event, before if eventually drains away,” he said.
“The water will eventually recede, however it will take longer than normal as the stormwater pipes are not designed to cope with extremely large amounts of water in such a small space of time.”
Council is continuing to prioritise the maintenance of its current drainage system to prepare for future predicted stormwater and riverine flooding. As part of this, Council is working on a Drainage Investigation Priority Program based on a list of known stormwater drainage issues across the municipality, prioritising factors such as flood frequency, community disruption and Occupational Health and Safety risks. Priority sites will be further investigated for new drainage design.
Such investigation works are currently underway for Lenne Street, Mooroopna, with the area regularly suffering flash flooding in stormwater events and was severely impacted during the October 2022 flood event. A total of $200,000 was allocated in the 2023/2024 Budget for investigation and design of the stormwater drainage improvements for the area, which will see detailed design plans developed for a new pump station and upgrades to existing reserves to enable them to store an additional 12,700m3 of stormwater.
Mr Gannon said these interim works would improve drainage in the area, allowing the water to flow into these catchments while it works its way through the drainage system.
“We thank residents for their understanding while investigation works have been underway to determine the next steps to improve this drainage,” he said.
“While these renewal and upgrade projects are ongoing, proactive maintenance will continue to ensure the current stormwater drainage is operating at the best of its ability.”
For further information, contact Council’s Engineering and Assets Department on (03) 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Greater Shepparton celebrates Seniors Festival 2025 this October
Victoria’s largest Seniors Festival returns in October 2025 and Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging older residents to get involved. Read more
Tuesday 9th of September,
Greater Shepparton on the world stage at Asia Fruit Logistica
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific. Read more
Monday 8th of September,
Youth Fest 2025 kicks off across Greater Shepparton with plenty more still to come
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce that Youth Fest 2025 is officially underway, bringing a vibrant line-up of free and low-cost events to young people throughout the month of September. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 17th of September,
Puff Walk
Puff Walks are more than just steps – they’re connections. Read more
Saturday 20th of September,
Nature’s Mini Canvas
Create Your Own Forest Friend! Read more
Friday 19th of September,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
Tuesday 16th of September,
Exploring Virtual Worlds
Explore under the sea, travel to locations throughout the world, kayak in Antarctica or fly between skyscrapers like a superhero. Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
CrAfter Dark at Shepparton Library - Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve
Get your creative juices flowing and join us for craft, coffee and cake! Read more
Tuesday 16th of September,
Ben Francis Entertainment presents The 60 Four - Hits of the 60's and 70's
Hailed as “Australia’s leading tribute act,” The 60 Four are set to deliver an unforgettable experience, recreating the biggest hits of the ’60s and ’70s in a spectacular, Vegas-style production. View on Riverlinks
See All Events