More than 1225 drains have been cleared across Townsville this year ahead of the upcoming high-risk weather season, and there are more in the pipeline as Council furthers its preparations.
The works, which started following this year's extended rainfall event, have so far cleared more than 3000 tonnes of debris from the city's 780km-long underground stormwater drains and 290km-long network of open drains.
Mayor Nick Dametto said Council teams were hard at work throughout the year to put the city in good stead for the wet season.
"Being prepared for the high-risk weather season is important for everyone in Townsville, including Council. The team undertakes a range of important tasks throughout the year to put the city in the best position possible during the wet season," Cr Dametto said.
"Living in North Queensland means we need to be ready for potential floods, so our teams have been hard at work clearing our extensive drain networks. The team has been able to identify 'problem drains' which have been cleared first and will be inspected more frequently during the wet season.
"These works are incredibly important for our city and form just one part of Council's preparedness planning."
But it's not just drains that are being cleared. Council's teams have also completed services to more than 150 stormwater quality devices across Townsville, as well as servicing the Bureau of Meteorology's weather rain gauge stations.
Cr Dametto said the work wasn't over yet, with crews working across Deeragun, Mount Low, Jensen, Burdell and Bushland Beach this week.
"Clearing drains is a significant priority for Council ahead of the high-risk weather season, but it isn't all Council does. Teams also replenish fuel for generators, complete training at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre, finalise planning for business continuity during a natural disaster, and more," he said.
"Council does exactly what we tell our residents to do - plan and prepare. So if you haven't got your household plan sorted for the high-risk weather season yet, take a leaf out of Council's book and take the time to clean up your own backyard and go through our easy-to-follow resources available on Council's website.
"I'm committed to ensuring that we're taking a back-to-basics approach, delivering the services our community expects to continue growing Townsville."
To report a blocked drain, take a photo using the Snap Send Solve app or call 13 48 10.
