The Northern Territory Government is helping to reduce flood risk in Darwin through flood mitigation works, including new drains to manage stormwater flow in The Narrows.
In 2014, the Northern Territory Government allocated $25 million to form the Darwin Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee to outline a range of projects to reduce the risk and impact of flood events in Darwin.
Design and construction work to improve flood mitigation in Darwin began in October 2015 and is currently ongoing.
Lands and Planning Minister David Tollner said “The Country Liberals Government said it would make the money available for the purpose when it sold the TIO. It has delivered on that commitment.
“This is the first time any Territory Government made such a financial commitment to reduce the risk of flooding.
“Construction work is focused on reducing flooding in The Narrows area, including installing a culvert under the recently constructed duplication of Tiger Brennan Drive and the Benison Street intersection.
“The risk of flooding in The Narrows will be further reduced by improving the flow of stormwater from RAAF Base Darwin to Sadgroves Creek through the construction of new drains along Reichardt and Benison Roads in Winnellie,” Mr Tollner said.
Flood mitigation works already completed include the reinstatement of the Ludmilla Creek trunk drain west of Bagot Road to its 1974 state in late 2015.
The design of the extension of the drain to Dick Ward Drive is also well underway.
“The overarching effect of this drainage work will mitigate historical flooding caused by stormwater jumping from the Sadgroves Creek to the Ludmilla Creeks catchment areas,” Mr Tollner said.
“The construction of upgrades to Dwyer Park in The Narrows will hold stormwater in the Sadgroves Creek catchment is expected to be tendered in July 2016. This work will also include an upgrade of Dwyer Park’s playground and facilities.”
The Darwin Flood Mitigation Committee took account of information and community feedback and has implemented a works plan for the Rapid Creek Catchment to an estimated total value of $11.8 million that included:
- The construction of a detention basin at the corner of Henry Wrigley Drive and McMillan Road to hold flood waters in a large flood events
- Flood proofing assessments and works in affected homes to reduce the impact of flooding and sewage contamination in homes
- Power and Water Corporation to fund and install backflow prevention devices to all properties at risk of sewage contamination in Millner
- An additional $13.2 million will be allocated to stormwater management and works in the Ludmilla/Narrows, Wadham Lagoon, Yarrawonga and Pinelands catchments.
“The Country Liberals Government remains committed to reducing the risk of flooding in Darwin by implementing the measures outlined by the Darwin Flood Mitigation Committee to improve community safety and limit the damage, disruption and costs associated with major flood events,” Mr Tollner said.