Residents raise concerns about drainage problems in new 22-lot subdivision at Newell Beach

SUBURB EXPANDS

David Gardiner

Journalist

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A man swims on flooded land at Newell Beach during a previous downpour.

A new residential subdivision approved at Newell Beach has raised concerns among residents of flooding and drainage problems.

Douglas Shire Council approved the 22-lot subdivision, new road and drainage works on vacant land at the southern end of Coulthard Close in September.

Residents say that despite assurances from Council that the land will be filled so that finished house levels will not be subject to weather and tide inundation, they remain concerned that the area floods annually and problems will not be properly addressed.

Vicki Thomas, a long-time resident, asked in an email to the Mayor Michael Kerr and all other councillors: “Is the Douglas Shire Council seriously contemplating 22 houses on flood plan below sea level where the corresponding street - Coulthard Close already has major issues with drainage and their septic systems?”

Ms Thomas also told Newsport that drainage in the area is of most concern.

“Where is the water going to go?” she said.

“Presently the houses in Andrews Street that back onto this block get water through their blocks when there is a good rain - some even through their sheds.

“Council always stated there would be no more houses until Newell had sewage provided.”

In response to the concerns raised by Ms Thomas with Council and Newsport, the Mayor said that Council will ensure that measures are taken to avoid flooding, without specifically mentioning what new drainage works are to be done in conjunction with the subdivision.

“The development will involve filling the lots to ensure that finished pad levels will not be subject to storm-tide inundation,” Cr Kerr said.

Residents were not consulted about the subdivision or its approval.

“Residents were disappointed at the lack of communication and public consultation. This will have a big effect on all residents and properties and we have been ignored,” Ms Thomas said.

“Residents also are concerned about so much more traffic on the one road into Newell and the effect of a larger population,” she added.

“According to the proposal the entrance will be along Coulthard Close. This will have a huge effect on Andrews Street residents with lots of trucks and other heavy equipment going along the road.”

In response, Cr Kerr said: “The land to be developed is located in a low-density residential zone.

Developers are not required to undertake public notification for the subdivision of land which is consistent with the residential zoning of the land.

“The road network can accommodate more vehicle movements associated with the development,” the Mayor also said.

“The land to be developed is zoned Low density residential and the development is consistent with that zoning.”

Another, longer-term concern Newell Beach residents have is about the effects of climate change.

“It seems strange in these times of changing weather patterns with coastal areas being the hardest hit to be building so close to the sea. I am saddened and disappointed at the lack of fore sight by this Council to be approving developments close to the Coast on land that floods annually and is marked on their tidal surge maps.”

Plan of the block to be subdivided into 22 residential lots.

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