In June 2022, Council endorsed a
program to upgrade the City’s drainage infrastructure following intense storms and flooding events in 2021.
The program aims to mitigate risks associated with major rainfall events, and to see the City’s drains increased to their highest level of service, specifically in the case of a 1 in 100 year storm event. As part of project planning, several flooding hotspots in Subiaco were identified, and proactive infrastructure upgrades were planned.
Significant progress has been made in the past four years as part of this program, including the installation of new soakwells and local strip drains to reduce localised flooding, and the creation of new pipes and manholes to reduce overflows in the system and improve stormwater flow.
Here are some project highlights so far:
- Major stormwater upgrades at the Olive Street/Churchill Avenue area, including 10 new soakwells, a new manhole, strip drains and new pipe connections.
- Improvements on Railway Road, including installation of six new soakwells and new pipe connections near the Railway Road and Evans Road intersection, which aimed to significantly enhance the safety of and accessibility to the pedestrian crossing near the bus and train stations.
- Installation of 32 new soakwells and new pipe connections along Hay Street, a known area of significant flooding affecting local businesses and foot traffic, west of Rokeby Road and along Denis Street and Forrest Street.
- Improvement in the Onslow Road Precinct in Shenton Park, which was another known flood risk area, including installation of 37 new soakwells and new pipes across the broader precinct.
Mayor David McMullen said the drainage improvement plan has paved the way for longer-term flood resilience.
“In 2022, Council committed to a program of significant drainage infrastructure upgrades, which could withstand a 1 in 100 year storm. Whilst lower-level upgrades may have sufficed in years of low to average rain, we wanted to be prepared so that in extreme downpours, our community and their properties would not feel the brunt.
“Significant progress has already been made in the past four years as part of this program; and the work will continue in the coming financial year, funded through the City's 2025-2026 budget.
“We are taking a preventative approach to prepare our infrastructure - and therefore our streets and community - for the most intense storms and flooding events."
Works as part of the drainage improvement plan are set to continue over the next few years, and will contribute to building the City’s capacity for long-term flood mitigation.