2 December 2009
$7M SEAFORD PROJECT TO CONTROL FLOODING
- Increased flood protection for Seaford/Frankston
- New structure for Seaford Beach
Work will start at Seaford Beach next month on a $7 million project to replace a stormwater pipeline that runs from Kananook Creek into Port Phillip Bay.
The Riviera outlet pipeline helps to protect properties between the Seaford outlet and the Frankston central business district from flooding.
Project Director, Phil Corluka, said a condition report on the structure revealed some corrosion of the steel reinforcement.
“The current outlet structure is 50 years old and has simply reached the end of its useful life,” Mr Corluka said.
“The pipeline running from Kananook Creek and under the Nepean Highway near the Riviera Hotel in Seaford is about 290 metres long, and 230 metres of it was repaired in 2006 to prevent further corrosion.
“The remaining 60 metre section from the Seaford foreshore reserve into Port Phillip Bay was beyond repair and must be demolished and completely replaced.
Mr Corluka said the new structure would help ensure the health and safety of beach users while protecting the environmental values of the beach, and continuing to provide flood mitigation downstream along Kananook Creek.
There will be some disruptions to the beach access trail and the section of the beach around the works area will be closed. Melbourne Water is asking the local community for their patience and understanding while this critical piece of public infrastructure is built.
The project is being undertaken by the Pipelines Alliance, a partnership between Fulton Hogan, Jaydo, GHD and Melbourne Water. It’s expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
Mr Corluka said that as a low lying area of Melbourne, Frankston is subject to serious flooding during severe wet weather, and this project will complement another major project underway to help protect Frankston from flooding.
“In September, Melbourne Water started a $41 million project to build a 1.5 km underground drainage pipeline stretching from the Monash University Peninsula Campus to Kananook Creek.
“These projects are part of an overall strategy aimed at providing flood protection to this important area of Melbourne.”
Media Contact: Gavin Rainsford - 03 9235 1587; 0400 690 502