A PETITION to “raise attention to failing infrastructure and drainage in Trafalgar” received by the Baw Baw Shire Council in July has been noted by councillors.
The 213-signatory petition was noted at Wednesday’s meeting after several submissions from residents who have suffered from repeated flooding.
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Jess Potter said her Seven Mile Road property sustained $12,000 in damage at the last flood in May and has required SES assistance twice in the past two years.
“I am aware Trafalgar is a low-lying town in some parts… but anyone can see we need to [do something],” Ms Potter said.
“Our rates continue to go up, but our house prices continue to go down as no one wants our flood-prone houses.”
Ms Potter asked that a levy on Baw Baw residents through rates be considered as a measure of last resort to raise funding to repair and upgrade drainage.
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Murray Jones, also of Seven Mile Road, described having to make two insurance claims after flooding and having to rescue the family cat from under the house.
“The water is strong enough to wash our wheelie bins into our back yard and you have to catch them coming through driveway,” Mr Jones said.
“We can’t use our properties in the way we want to.”
Mr Jones said affected residents had had little contact from Baw Baw staff.
On noting the petition, Mount Worth ward Councillor Bill Harrington said funds will be sought to upgrade drains.
“Two hundred and thirteen people from the near neighbourhood does indicate the concern on the lack of drainage in the area,” Cr Harrington said.
“The [drainage] study has been completed and now it is up to us in our mid-year review to find that $30,000.”
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North ward councillor David Balfour said flooding has worsened since the removal of levies in the area.
