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Stormwater struggles in Moama

Contractors working on the drains at the end of the street where residents are most affected. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Residents of Clarke Crt, Moama woke up on Wednesday, June 25 to waterlogged driveways and saturated lawns following 16mm of rain the previous night.

Due to an inefficient stormwater management system, the flooding has been a reoccurring issue for the past three years.

Concerned residents said it had been ‘frustrating’, as over the years garages had flooded and lawns they had invested time and money into had been destroyed.

In some instances, the flooding would be so bad that cars were unable to park in driveways and children would spend the day in wet socks and shoes after walking through the water to get to school.

While the issue is felt by many of the neighbours in the Crt, it is especially hard for residents at the end of the street where the water eventually ends up.

Residents said they had consistently contacted Murray River Council about the problem.

In May, Murray River Council began works to address the matter following consultation with Clarke Crt residents.

Clarke Court residents have been dealing with drainage issues for three years. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

A Murray River Council spokesperson said the issue was due to the existing stormwater drain system.

“Murray River Council met with residents prior to the works to discuss concerns about stormwater ponding in the road reserve,” they said.

“The main issue raised was poor drainage occurring as a result of the existing network having insufficient capacity.

“Whilst council had previously undertaken some interim fixes, a long-term solution was needed to resolve the issue.”

The works are worth $207,265.30 and include the installation of reinforced concrete pipes and pit networks to manage stormwater within the road reserve.

Following the wet weather on Wednesday, June 25, Murray River Council staff and contractors were out at the Crt again to complete clean-up works.

Murray River Council and contractors were out at Clarke Court on Wednesday morning to try and fix the issue. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

While there, the council and contractors identified further areas that needed improvement to help minimise stormwater ponding on driveways.

These works include undertaking minor shaping of table drains to help water reach new pit locations within the road reserve.

The Murray River Council spokesperson thanked residents for their patience while works were being completed.

“Murray River Council thanks the residents of Clark Crt for being patient and understanding during construction,” they said.

“We look forward to completing the necessary stormwater upgrades to resolve any future issues.”