Richmond Quarry Main Drain investigations

Melbourne Water and Yarra City Council are working together to consider options for how to reduce the impacts of flooding in and around Glass Street in Richmond.  

Residents in Glass Street, and the surrounding community, have been previously impacted by flooding, including the severe flooding event in December 2018. We recognise the distress caused by these events and continue to work on solutions to build Yarra’s resilience against flooding. 

About the investigation 

Melbourne Water has undertaken an investigation of the catchment to consider several mechanisms for flood mitigation and management in and around Glass Street. Melbourne Water’s investigation has included assessing a range of options such as major drainage infrastructure works, underground storage tanks, flood warning systems and planning overlays.  

Flood mitigation works in urban areas is challenging due to the lack of space and competing demands for other infrastructure and development including residential, commercial and industrial. Structural mitigation works are often unable to be constructed or not economically feasible to consider. The aim of Melbourne Water’s investigation is to consider the costs and benefits of any feasible flood reduction options. 

Options underway or being investigated  

• Major duplication works to existing main drain: The Richmond Quarry Main Drain commences at the intersection of the Glass Street pedestrian laneway and Swan Street, crossing the rail line and CityLink to the outlet into the Yarra River to the south. Melbourne Water has undertaken preliminary investigations into duplicating this drain either along the existing alignment or by constructing a new drain. Our preliminary findings have identified there would be a significant cost and disruption associated with the project due to the industrial and commercial development between Glass Street and the Yarra River and the adjacent rail network and other major services in the area. This option requires significant further analysis to assess its viability and remains under investigation. We will inform residents of the further analysis outcomes when they are known.   

• Planning provisions: Melbourne Water has released updated draft flood mapping for the City of Yarra which is available for feedback. Once the updated maps are finalised and published, flood overlays can be adopted which will ensure new development considers flood risk.  

• Flood monitoring systems: Melbourne Water and Yarra City Council installed a monitoring device to measure the flow of water above and below ground after rainfall. The monitoring device consists of a pressure sensor to measure water level in the street and a flowmeter to measure flow in the underground drain. This device will provide critical information to help inform the catchment response to flood and valuable insights to further assist the investigation.  

Other considered options  

• Retarding basin: To reduce the volume of water in Glass Street during flood events, retarding basins were investigated to alter the timing of peak flows. Unfortunately, this option is not feasible as there is not enough available space like parks and open space upstream of Glass Street for an effective retarding basin.  

• Property acquisition: Purchasing properties impacted by flooding is a measure that has been used successfully in other parts of the world. Due to the cost and major community impact associated with this option and the number of properties involved, this option is not considered feasible.  

• Underground water storage tanks in Glass Street: These were investigated as a possibility underneath the road network at Glass Street. Our preliminary findings show that this is likely not feasible due to the lack of space and existing services located under the road network.  

• Flood gates: This option involves self-operating flood gates to protect individual properties. Our preliminary work showed that this is not likely to be feasible.  

• Other upstream options: Melbourne Water investigated alternate measures in the upstream catchment aimed at slowing the flow to Glass Street. No viable options were found.  

Next steps 

Melbourne Water will inform residents of the research outcomes of our investigation into increasing the capacity of the Richmond Quarry Main Drain to the Yarra River.  For updates on the Yarra flood mapping program, follow the Let’s Talk page.