Mullumbimby residents assist Council with stormwater in sewer project

Published on 30 August 2019

Byron Shire Council has thanked Mullumbimby residents for their responses to the Reducing Stormwater in Sewer survey, issued to the community at the start of August.

Council’s Manager Utilities, Cameron Clark, said 172 surveys had been completed,  indicating the high level of interest in this important issue in Mullumbimby.

“The survey process has provided valuable insight into the latest condition of both private and public sewer and stormwater assets, especially since there’s been a major flood event since the last data was collected and the condition of pipes deteriorate with age,” Mr Clark said.

The data will now be analysed by the Reducing Stormwater in Sewer project team and cross-referenced with existing Council data and latest reports from Interflow, a specialist contractor currently conducting testing and inspections of Council’s assets in Mullumbimby.

Mr Clark said high priority areas will be established in the town and planning will commence for customised solutions, including the use of Water Sensitive Urban Design, an option being assessed by Australian Wetlands Consulting.

Once the range of options has been developed the project will be presented to the Water and Sewer Committee for review before implementation.

“Council continues to be open to possible solutions and will work with industry experts to identify the most effective, practical, cost effective and sustainable options for reducing stormwater in the sewer”, Mr Clark said.

In response to residents’ reports of blocked drains, Council scheduled an immediate clean-up team to clear laneways and gutters in one of the most high priority areas identified through the survey.

“Facilitating the flow of stormwater and reducing impact on private property is of paramount importance to Council. This is only the first step before longer term solutions are implemented,” Mr Clark said.

The stormwater drain maintenance schedule for other areas of Mullumbimby will be reviewed during the development of options process.

For further information please contact: Cameron Clark, Manager Utilities, Byron Shire Council on 6685 9306.