Metung resident Jaquie Walker is fed up with drainage problems at her residence and feels she is not being listened to by the East Gippsland Shire.
Having lived with her husband at Tambo Bay for the past 24 years, they have cleared the outlet drain at the end of their street for all of that time. But now in their 70s and 80s they do not feel capable of this job, which she claims should have been done by the shire in the first place.
“Our home can become inundated with water if the outlet is not kept free of debris and dirt,” Jaquie said.
“I contacted the shire in November to request it be cleared but after nearly three months nothing has been done. Numerous calls and emails have been made to no avail, they claimed it was because of holidays, but holidays do not start in mid-November.
“I understand the risk of flooding is an issue here, but we just need the shire to take responsibility and keep the drain clear. It should be done routinely four times a year, we don’t ask for anything else from the rates we pay,” she said.
A council worker was inspecting the situation when the Lakes Post visited, but from past experience Jaquie is not confident there will be any follow up.
East Gippsland Shire said its manager of infrastructure and open space, Paul Rooney, had met with the resident, and the Road Supervisor has also visited the site.
“Tambo Bluff is a low-lying area near the lake, historically prone to stormwater drainage issues,” council said.
“Leftover tree limbs, likely from recent powerline clearing works, will be removed by council. Council has committed to cleaning drainage culverts near the lake entrance. The Road Supervisor has programmed these works to be completed within the next 10 days.
“Further announcements on this area will be made in the future.”
