A stormwater management plan for the Brownhill and Keswick Creek catchments is a step closer following a strategy proposed by the Chief Executive Officers of the five catchment councils involved in the project.
The strategy calls for the commencement of the bulk of proposed flood mitigation works – as recommended by consulting firm WorleyParsons – including construction of bypass culverts, detention basins, creek diversions and channel upgrades along the catchment.
In light of community concerns about the proposed flood control dam in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, the strategy also commits to pursue a feasible alternative to the dam over the next 12 months while other works elsewhere in the catchment get underway.
CEOs from Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens Councils will recommend the strategy and seek approval from their respective councils this month.
Michael Salkeld, Project Director of the Brownhill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project, says if the five councils endorse the strategy it will then form the basis of a stormwater management plan to be formally presented to the Stormwater Management Authority for approval.
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“We are confident of moving forward with a stormwater management plan that has the support of all five catchment councils and takes into consideration the views and concerns of council constituents,” he said.
“We plan to present our proposed strategy to the Stormwater Management Authority this week and look forward to a positive outcome.”
Mr Salkeld says the strategy proposed by the five Council CEOs importantly takes into account feedback received during the recent community consultation process.
“Feedback from stakeholders including local residents and community groups has certainly helped shape the renewed strategy,” he said.
“What is clear is the need to start work on appropriate infrastructure measures that adequately reduce the impacts of flooding while delivering acceptable outcomes in terms of financial, environmental and social factors.”