Flood furore

By Jade Lawton
WILD weather on the weekend has left Pakenham’s Wakenshaw Crescent looking like a swamp.
The crescent has flooded several times in the past few months.
Residents have complained to both Cardinia Shire Council and Melbourne Water, but are yet to see action.
In the past the street has turned in to a temporary river, with one resident saying he even spotted a mattress floating by.
Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers Association president Gloria O’Connor said the weekend’s deluge had left a terrible mess.
“The recent heavy rain has, of course, resulted in a huge amount of water lapping over some of the nature strips and footpath area, which I saw (on Sunday) when I went to look at what was happening there,” she said.
“I intended to talk to Chris, whose property appeared to be the worst affected, but could not walk to his front entry due to the water level. I will have to return with gumboots!”
The affected blocks are next to a stormwater retarding basin owned by Melbourne Water. Ms O’Connor inquired about the problem at a recent council meeting, where the council’s
General manager assets and services Mike Ellis said Melbourne Water was responsible for the problems and that it was in talks with Metro about building drains under the railway crossing at McGregor Road.
“From what we have been told, Melbourne Water is seeking approval to put a drain under the rail line and they are trying to work out with Metro when they can stop the trains,” Mr Ellis said.
Mrs O’Connor said she would like to see someone take action on the flooding, which also affects the many people who walk down Wakenshaw Crescent to access Pakenham’s CBD.
“The water flooding over the road and footpaths should be draining through the stormwater drainage along the gutters, which does not seem to be happening,” she said.
“I think that is something the council should look at.
“In the meantime it is just a terrible mess and rather dangerous also.
“I’m sure this would not be allowed to happen at Lakeside or Heritage Springs.”