Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
28 JUNE 2011
422 should also be raised so that they are higher that the footpath in front of the vacant
property at 420.
Contractors will also be engaged to install additional soak wells upstream of all gully
grates.
In the short term calculations will be completed to assess if creating a low point within Lot
420, being the vacant site owned by council, will assist with immediate management of
the flooding events.
Question 3
Are the Council aware that some property owners in that area have been issued empty
sandbags by the shire to attempt to minimise the impact of flooding (Elderly and unwell
people are filling and lifting these bags and they have been totally ineffective)
Response
In an effort to assist to manage the flooding issues prior major works being identified
which will reduce the potential for flooding events the town has provided full sandbags for
use to properties who request them.
Empty sandbags may have been provided by SES to some properties.
The Town encourages neighbours to assist other people who might have difficulty with
flooding.
During a storm, the Town's outside personnel are usually engaged keeping drainage pits
clear of leaves to mitigate flooding and keep roads open. Sand bags are not a long term
solution to flooding on driveways.
Question 4
Are the Council aware of the physical, psychological and environmental impact of this
ongoing issue
Response
There is no denying that any flooding of homes and property results in physical and
psychological loss.
The Town is responsible for retaining its stormwater and all property owners must also
retain all their stormwater on their property.
The Town is limited by the number and size of stormwater outlets available to dispose of
stormwater. Therefore, it must emphasise the retention of stormwater and infiltration into
the groundwater aquifer on all private and public property.
Following the 100 year storm event on 22 March 2010, the Town identified more than 140
locations where flooding occurred in the Town. Funding of $100,000 was included in the
2010 Budget and the Draft 2011 Budget to address these locations. The locations have
been investigated, prioritised and works have commenced on the priority locations. At the
intersection of Cambridge and Selby the works completed earlier this year were aimed at
reducing the flood events. It is now evident a detailed design and an increase in the
design storm recurrence level is required.
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