Council is prioritising several multiyear drainage projects, to help improve water flow and prevent flooding.
As part of Council's annual Capital Works Program, outlined in the Council Budget 2026-27, drainage projects are currently in design, with several moving to construction this financial year.
Council recently began construction on a drainage project in Chapel Street, Lilydale. This project involves reconstructing the road, upgrading drainage infrastructure with kerb and channel, and new stormwater connections.
The existing gravel carpark on Chapel Street will also be sealed to improve drainage flows and footpaths will be improved during the works.
On Chapel Street, crews are making progress as they divert the main drain. The project is expected to be finished by November this year.
Construction will also begin on several other drainage projects within the next 12 months, including:
· Hazford Street in Healesville,
· North Avenue in Mount Evelyn,
· Belle Vue in Lilydale
· Morrisons Reserve Detention System, and
· Lilydale Tennis Court
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that drainage works were crucial for the environment, for neighbourhood amenity, and to future proof the region.
"The last five years have seen very significant weather events, from extreme wind to heavy rains and flash flooding, and we know that as the climate continues to change, extreme weather will become more frequent," he said.
"While there may still be times when extraordinary events overload our drainage systems, we can construct new drains and improve the ones we have to better handle water flow.
"I'm excited to see these works get underway this year, and we'll also be working on updated flood mapping, which will give us a better understanding of flood behaviour and help us plan our ongoing projects.
Cr Higgins said residents would be kept updated on these drainage projects.
"For community members with projects in the design-phase, we'll be in touch with details about expected construction timeframes; for locals in areas where new drains will be built, our teams will be sharing details of any impacts to your road ahead of construction beginning."
Cr Higgins said that maintaining and repairing existing drains was a focus, with teams taking an innovative approach to fixing local drains.
"We're taking modern steps to maintain our older drains, by installing lining and doing very targeted works. These approaches are proven, quick and cost-effective.
They will result in less disruption on the roads for our residents, and a quicker turnaround ahead of future rain events.
"By keeping our existing drains working well, and expanding our network, we can help keep flooding to a minimum, protect public infrastructure and homes, and reduce the impact on local waterways and the environment."
