Some of the residents claimed pumps were not activated when required during the recent storm and, more importantly, that sections of the system did not have adequate carrying capacity.
Mr Campbell said the October 3 storm created many problems that were not fully addressed until later that week.
However, he said council and borough staff did everything possible to cope with the deluge.
“All pumps were working and council employees constantly checked them throughout the night,” Mr Campbell said.
One of the residents’ letters stated, “The borough seems to have not upgraded the drainage system to cope with the many homes and buildings being constructed in our town. This adds an enormous quantity of extra water in our drainage system.
“We appreciate the high cost involved in the upgrading, but we consider it should be given first priority over other works programs, including the beautification programs.”
The borough is currently undertaking an investigation of Kerang’s drainage system and recommendations will be made in line with budget allocations of $30,000 for drainage maintenance and $20,000 for construction.
Mr Campbell said with the extra $20,000 allocation, a number of proposals would be investigated, including:
* using the old railway dam adjacent to Canonsgate avenue as a retarding basin;
* pumping in the Mitchell/Leng street area directly to the Loddon;
* installing a pump near Patchell bridges;
* increasing the size of the pump in Riverwood drive;
* installing a small pump in Wyndham street pump complex to handle the day-to-day drainage needs and have the system as empty as possible; and
* placing a tractor power take-off pump at Wyndham street for easy connection.
Mr Campbell has also asked council to reconsider a proposal to create a 100 m by 100 m retarding basin in the reserve on the north side of Wyndham street.
Town clerk, Mr Brian O’Dwyer said the $20,000 council set aside in its budget would be “scratch the surface” of Kerang’s drainage problems.
He said if council used the money on a retarding basin, it would be spending its budget to allocation in on hit just to fence the area without really achieving anything.
