The Territory Government, in partnership with Sitzler, has completed the construction of a $10 million stormwater detention basin and associated drainage at Rapid Creek in Marrara, Darwin.
The new stormwater detention basin created more than 280 local jobs during its construction phase, including 8 apprentices and 40 aboriginal employees, and will help reduce the risk and impact of flood events in Rapid Creek on completion.
Member for Sanderson, Kate Worden, said the community needed the stormwater detention basin to ensure properties had more protection.
“The open green space improves the amenity and visibility of the area and unlocks the potential future use for the space for the community,” Ms Worden said.
Flooding can occur in the Rapid Creek catchment when heavy rain combined with high tides causes floodwater to back up into the creek and flood low-lying properties.
The detention basin has been designed to temporarily detain stormwater flows from Anula, Moil and parts of Marrara.
Combined with other flood mitigation measures, the new detention basin will significantly reduce the impact of flooding on downstream properties.
The Northern Territory Government and Sitzler worked closely with the NTEPA to ensure there was minimal impact to the environment.
Sitzler Director, Michael Sitzler, said Sitzler had to overcome some very significant challenges on the Rapid Creek site to reach completion.
“Success of the project was built on a strong working relationship with the NT Government and ongoing cooperation from all stakeholders,” Mr Sitzler said.
“We did this with 100 per cent Northern Territory suppliers and subcontractors. This not only meant something for us, it also meant something to everyone involved.”
Native vegetation around the site has been retained as much as possible and the margins of the creek, including the riparian areas, remain un-impacted by the works.
The basin along with the associated drainage were flood mitigation measures recommended by the Darwin Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee.