Welcome Rain Breaks the Dry Spell – Media Release

Yesterday, Collie received the long-awaited rains, breaking a dry spell that put our environment and water resources under strain.

Collie townsite experienced a 1 in 7-year rainfall event yesterday morning – bringing over 40mm of rain in a short period of time.

Director Operations Scott Geere said first rains always test our drainage systems due to accumulated debris flowing into the system. This was further compounded by the volume of water received, particularly between 11:30am and 12noon. While we had undertaken a fair bit of preparation – gully educing and pipe clearing, we experienced some spot flooding. These areas included: • Roundabout to Atkinson St & Jones, • Roundabout to Atkinson St & Ogden St, • Elouera St & Atkinson St, • Club Hotel on Forrest St & Atkinson, • Forrest St between the Roundabouts, • Throssell St & Patterson St intersection, • Lefroy St & Jonston St, • Steere St Between Forrest St & Johnston St, • Betta Electrical Crn Steere St and Medic St, and • Harvey St

Shire works teams were busy throughout the day dealing with localised issues, with water quickly draining away. Cleanup is now in full-swing removing debris from roads and restoring our town. The rains have allowed the district to move from prohibited burning period to restricted burning. This means camp and cooking fires are allowed. Bonfires, burning of bushland and paddocks is only allow with a permit.

Press Release – Welcome rain