$4m flood resilience project completed in Mooroopna

The works to install drainage pipes and a pump were identified as a high-priority project, which received $1.68 million from the Federal Government through the second round of the Disaster Ready Fund.

Greater Shepparton City Council funded the remaining $2.23 million.

Mayor Shane Sali spoke at the opening of the works and thanked residents for their patience.

Local resident Allan Beggs was glad to see the works completed.

“We thought we had lost all the bird life, and it’s coming back, which is nice,” Mr Beggs said.

Mr Beggs has enjoyed seeing pedestrians return to the area as well.

“It’s good to see the kids walking through,” he said.

The works removed 22,000 tonnes of soil, the equivalent of 2000 truck loads, to create a channel to hold water during heavy rain.

A total of 1127m of pipes were installed to drain the water into the Goulburn River.

A large-capacity pump was installed. It can move 28,380 litres per minute.

Cr Sali recalled meeting with residents in Lenne St during the floods, and highlighted the importance of the works.

“We have strengthened our ability to manage intense rainfall events and reduce the impact of stormwater flooding,” Cr Sali said.

Cr Paul Wickham represents the ward Lenne St is in.

“It’s fantastic to see what’s been achieved,” he said.

“Residents will notice the difference during heavy rainfall, with areas that previously pooled with water now draining more effectively thanks to these upgrades.”