18 May 2010
MENTONE BEACH DRAIN APPEARANCE
Melbourne Water and the Kingston City Council are about to start community consultation on the best way to upgrade a stormwater drain on Mentone Beach.
Last month, the Premier John Brumby announced that an agreement had been reached between the Victorian Government, Kingston Council and Melbourne Water to reduce the number of stormwater drains along Mentone Beach from four pipes to just one.
Under the agreement, the council's three drains, Charman Road, Sea Parade, and Mundy Street, will be diverted to Melbourne Water's Marina Road drain outlet.
Project Director, Phil Corluka, said the Marina Road drain would have to be upgraded to receive additional stormwater, and the community consultation would consider the options developed to improve the physical appearance of this outlet.
"The community's input is being sought on three potential designs for the appearance of the outlet, and we would encourage interested residents to review these options," Mr Corluka said.
A community meeting will be held at the Kingston Council's Cheltenham offices on Thursday 3 June, from 5 to 7pm, and the three options will be on display.
Kingston City Council Mayor, Steve Staikos, said information about the project was being distributed to the community this week, including an invitation to attend next month's meeting.
Representatives from the council, Melbourne Water and the Pipelines Alliance will attend the meeting to answer questions about the project.
The upgrade to the Marina Road drain will be undertaken by the Pipelines Alliance – a partnership between Melbourne Water, Fulton Hogan, Jaydo, and GHD.
The pipe diversion works will cost an estimated $4 million and will maintain the major benefits of an earlier drain diversion plan including the removal of three of the four beach drains, improved aesthetics, and more recreational access to the beach.
Melbourne Water and the Kingston Council will continue to work closely together so that the construction of the drain diversion and beautification project can start before the end of 2010.
Media Contact: Gavin Rainsford – 03 9235 1587 M – 0400 690 502