Flooding concerns in Serpentine Jarrahdale is nothing new and in an effort to address the issue, the shire will be hosting another flood meeting on September 25 from 5pm at the Mundijong Civic Centre.
A Darling Downs Residents Association (DDRA) spokesperson said representatives from Byford construction company MetCONNX, Metronet, Public Transport Authority (PTA) and Main Roads WA would be in attendance.
In preparation for the meeting, the DDRA prepared a drainage report which focused on the eastern side of the Darling Downs equestrian estate.
Sunray Park, Hay Street and Butcher Road were just some the affected sites highlighted in the report.
The DDRA made four recommendations in the report: engage the community through an open meeting to gather insight; develop solutions in collaboration with stakeholders; keep the community informed; and investigate long-term management issues.
In A muddy mess (Examiner Newspapers, August 29, 2024), Kentucky Drive West resident Phil Petricevich said during rain events there was nowhere for the water to go because the ground had become so sodden the water would just sit on top.
“The shire has been asleep at the wheel – they haven’t maintained the drainage system west of the rail line and it’s now all coming home to roost,” Mr Petricevich said.
“Many of the drains are overgrown and chock-a-block with branches.”
Oakford resident Roxanne voiced concerns about drain maintenance in her area at last month’s ordinary council meeting, in light of the recent rate rise.
“We’ve got drains that we have to maintain,” she said.
“When I moved here 10 years ago (council) used to come down and maintain those drains.
“In saying that, what am I getting for my $4000?
“My little homestead is Oakford and the neighbours around me are a great community and we have to do these drains that we were never told to do.”
The shire said Peverett Lane, Cunningham Drive, Country Drive and two sites on Swamp Gum Road were the main drains located in Oakford.
According to the shire’s schedule, the drains were maintained every five years.
“All other drains are maintained when a request is received,” shire President Rob Coales said.
Mr Coales said the shire has received three reports about the lack of drain maintenance in Oakford since 2021.
He said the reports were from May 2022, June 2023 and August 2025.
In the shire’s 2024-25 budget, $55,040 was estimated for drainage infrastructure.
However, based on the 2025-26 budget, the 2024-25 actual additions cost wound up being $280,625.
“The reason for the difference is that, during the year, the shire approved additional spending on drainage infrastructure,” Mr Coales said.
“The shire’s final spend for drainage infrastructure in 2024-25 was $186,528.”
