By Deanne Jeffers
SIGNIFICANT drainage issues in Mooroopna’s Lenne Street are being addressed, with Stage 1 of the Lenne Street Drainage Upgrade awarded at Greater Shepparton City Council’s March meeting.
The $834,988.44 contract went to local company Jarvis Delahey Contractors Pty Ltd, with works set to begin in the coming weeks.
Following the October 2022 floods, the area was identified for urgent stormwater improvements to mitigate rain event issues in the area during sudden heavy downpours. Mayor Cr Shane Sali noted that the area was inundated again last week, emphasising the need for better drainage.
“We are building back better to ensure that the investment that takes place, which is over $800,000, makes sure that when we have those rain events, that water moves as it should, and community can get around their neighbourhoods as they rightly deserve to,” he said.
Stage 1 works include enhancing the retention capacity of Smyth Reserve, raising pavement and upgrading the underground stormwater system in Howe Street, and the relocation of utilities. Works are expected to be completed by August 2025.
Council consulted residents on design upgrades and mitigation strategies. Manager of Engineering and Assets Ben Gannon said the upgrade would ease pressure on current drainage, ensuring water can flow in and around the area and drain away quicker, without sitting stagnant for long periods of time, like it currently does.
“Stage 1 works will allow us to enhance the retention capacity of Smyth Reserve to allow it to hold more water. It will also see drainage upgrades undertaken in Howe Street to mitigate the current flooding issues,” he said. Paul Wickham, Goulburn River Ward, said the upgrade getting underway was a great outcome for the Mooroopna community. He said, “These upgrade works are a long time coming and I know many residents in and around the Lenne Street will be relieved to see these works get underway.”
The full benefit of the upgrade will be operational once both Stages 1 and 2 are completed. The design and construction for Stage 2 is expected to be completed in the 2025/26 financial year.
