THEY say some things are better left unseen, and that’s definitely the case for Murrabit’s stormwater drainage that is now underground.
The final two stages of the $1.6 million project, fully funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, were recently completed, building on work that began in September 2021.
“These transformation works have provided Murrabit residents an improved and quality township drainage network,” Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive officer Tom O’Reilly said.
“These works have converted the town from a reliance on an open drain system to an underground drainage infrastructure network, thus removing deep spoon drains that are conducive to disease-carrying mosquitos during the warmer months of the year.”
The first four stages of the project involved upgrading the stormwater network along Browning and Gonn avenues, as well as the Murrabit Market site.
These works also included the installation of a pump station at the corner of Browning Avenue and Church Street that enables water to be pumped and discharged into Reedy Creek, as well as the construction of a nearby detention basin to provide storage capacity during large rainfall events.
Stages five and six involved completing similar improvements along Church, Laursen and Whiter streets, as well as the planting of trees along areas where stormwater works have occurred to beautify the township.
“The removal of the town’s deep spoon drains has created extra space throughout Murrabit to beautify its streets, which will enhance its reputation as an oasis on the Murray River,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Murrabit Advancement Association president Sandy Foweraker previously told the Gannawarra Times that the project was a “long-time coming”.
“The open cut drains are unsightly and a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles accessing services for daily living, such as the post office and general store,” she said.
“Over the spring and summer months, mosquitoes breed in the stagnant water and this causes discomfort for our local residents and visitors, as well as a health hazard.”
The project was identified as the number one priority when the Murrabit Community Plan was developed in 2017.
