Greater Shepparton City Council awarded the contract for stage two of the Lenne St drainage upgrade at its September council meeting, paving the way for the second stage of the stormwater drainage improvements to be undertaken.
When completed, the project will help reduce flash flooding after heavy rain, by helping the water drain away faster.
The $2.88 million contract, awarded to Jarvis Delahey Contractors, involves an expansion of Smyth Reserve to increase storage capacity during storms, and installation of a new stormwater pump station and discharge pipeline to improve the speed and efficiency of water removal.
Stage two works will start in November, with completion of the entire upgrade project expected by May next year.
Following the riverine flooding event in October 2022, the Lenne St drainage catchment in Mooroopna was severely impacted.
Council identified improvement opportunities for the existing stormwater drainage network to mitigate the rain event issues in the area during sudden heavy downpours.
Riverine flooding, however, will not be improved by these works.
The project was split into two stages for delivery, with stage one works involving enhancing the retention capacity of Smyth Reserve, along with a road and drainage upgrade for Howe St.
These works started in April and are expected to be completed in October.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali acknowledged the significance of the project for residents in Mooroopna.
“We know the impact the 2022 floods had on residents in Mooroopna, particularly in the areas of Lenne and Howe Sts,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring our infrastructure supports the safety and wellbeing of the area, with these works helping to mitigate any issues with water receding during sudden heavy rain downpours.
“Stage one works have progressed well, and we look forward to seeing stage two get under way in the coming months.
“The completed upgrade will provide welcome relief to residents during large rain events.”
To find out more about the Lenne St drainage upgrade, visit council’s major projects page at greatershepparton.com.au/council/major-projects/other/lenne-street-flood-mitigation
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