Arabic version: سكان جيسبورن يطالبون باتخاذ إجراءات بعد الفيضانات الشديدة

Residents of Gisborne in Central Victoria say flash flooding that pushed water into homes during two intense back-to-back storms last month has raised serious concerns about drainage at a nearby housing development. According to ABC News, the flooding events were attributed to heavy rain in late February, which brought about 30 millimeters of rain to the area within an hour, overwhelming local drainage systems.

Homeowners on Swinburne Avenue and Cherry Lane described how water from the development site rushed into their properties, causing extensive damage. Ryan Izzard, a local resident, noted that he witnessed water pouring from across the road and down his driveway, while neighbors experienced severe flooding in their homes.

Longtime residents have expressed frustration, stating that flooding had not been an issue before construction began on the nearby housing estate. Liana Fitzpatrick, a lifelong resident, remarked on the unusual nature of the flooding events, emphasizing that the drainage systems appeared to be inadequately managed, particularly after a storm drain along Swinburne Avenue was filled in and replaced with a footpath.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is currently investigating the flooding situation and collaborating with the developer, ID_Land, to improve stormwater management. Council Chief Executive Bernie O’Sullivan acknowledged the distress caused to residents, while engineers inspect the drainage systems for potential improvements.

In response to the flooding, ID_Land indicated that various factors contributed to the situation, including the intensity of the storms and a blocked downstream drain unrelated to their development. They have initiated measures to mitigate future flooding risks, including the construction of temporary drainage channels.

Residents remain concerned about the ongoing development of the 600-home estate, fearing that increased construction will exacerbate flooding risks in the future.