Stormwater Drainage Issues: What You Need to Know

Stormwater Issues on Private Property

As a result of Gunnedah Shire’s climate and topography, flooding issues from stormwater can be a common problem for property owners. Flooding and nuisance issues from stormwater can sometimes result in damage to property and distress to residents.

Stormwater is rainwater that runs off surfaces such as lawns, roads, roofs, car park and natural ground surfaces. Stormwater that is unable to enter the underground drainage system will find its natural way to the nearest watercourse via overland flow paths. These overland flow paths are typically natural depressions (that occur through private property), open channels, roadways and public reserves.

Property Owner’s Responsibilities

Property owners have a range of responsibilities, which if carried out correctly, will minimise the threat of stormwater damage in the event of heavy rain:

• You must maintain your roof water drainage, stormwater pipes, gutters, downpipes, stormwater inlet pits and any other components of your approved drainage system on your property in good condition
  and in compliance with any Council requirements.
• You are required to accept natural overflow and from adjoining properties or public land and must not divert, redirect or concentrate the flow from its natural path on to neighbouring properties,
• It is important to note that a downstream property owner cannot erect any type of barrier by way of large walls or closed fencing that interferes with the path of stormwater – if you are downstream, you must accept the ‘natural’ run‐off on to your property.
• Ensuring that all buildings (including sheds) have an adequate storm water drainage system connected to the legal point of discharge (e.g. connected to the kerb and gutter or inter‐allotment drainage system),
• When constructing hardstand areas you must control stormwater in order to prevent it from flowing on to adjacent property. It is preferable to minimise the area of water‐resistant surfaces such as concrete or paved areas and driveways,
• If there is an easement on your property it must be maintained and kept clear of debris to allow the
  natural flow of the stormwater.

Property owners generally need to ensure that roof water and stormwater is drained to one of the following to comply with AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 Plumbing and Drainage Part 3: Stormwater Drainage.

• Council street kerb and gutter
• An inter‐allotment drainage system: or
• Council controlled drainage easement or draining reserve.

When Council May Take Action

Council offers to investigate and take action in relation to stormwater drainage complaints only where it relates to

• the flow of surface water from one property across the common land boundary onto another property, and
  where the following criteria has been met;
• Evidence being produced that substantiates the surface water has caused or is likely to cause physical
  damage to land or building on the other land ; and
• Surface water has been directed to and/or concentrated in a particular area by a man made structure
  or drain; or
• Surface water is the result of defective roof drainage from a building.

When Council Will Not Take Action

Council Officers have the discretion to take no action or are unable to take action in the following circumstances;

• Surface water run‐off occurs only in periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall
• The surface water is natural run‐off from the property or properties above due to the topography and isn’t redirected in any manner
• Surface water is flowing down and/or across existing hard surface areas such as driveways, tennis courts, concrete slabs or paved areas
• The location of an existing dwelling, building or outbuilding impacts on surface run‐off
• The run‐off is from new development work that is the subject of a development consent and has been constructed in accordance with that consent
• The drainage problem involves discharges from defective or blocked private inter‐allotment drainage easement infrastructure e.g. pipes and drainage pits. Note: private inter allotment easements are the responsibility of the property owners who are burdened by and/ or benefited by the easement.

How to Report a Stormwater Drainage Issue

If you are experiencing stormwater issues as a result of stormwater being directed onto your property, you
may contact Council via email to report your concern (council@infogunnedah.com.au)

When reporting a stormwater drainage issue on private land, please include the following information;

• Describe what is occurring
• When did it occur and the frequency of occurrence
• What is the source on the neighbouring land that I causing the problem
• Take photos of the stormwater problem that is occurring
• Whether you made contact with Council about the issue previously
• Describe how your land and/or building are being damaged. (if possible include a written report from a suitably qualified person stating the land or building is likely to or is being damaged)
• Whether you obtained professional advice as to the source of the stormwater issue
• Whether you liaised with your neighbour to address this matter

Natural Flow/Sloping Blocks

Natural flow is the flow path down the slope following the contours of the land and occurs before any excavation, development or building. An upstream property owner cannot be held liable merely because surface water flows naturally from their land on to the lower land of a neighbour.

The upstream property owner may be liable if the water is made to flow in a more concentrated form that it would naturally flow. Ideally, runoff should be directed to the street, or to a drainage system if provided. Property owners need to be aware that landscaping can change the topography of a property and the way it distributes water.

Council is unlikely to investigate stormwater complaints involving the natural flow of stormwater from one property to another.

Buildings Currently Under Construction

Complaints about buildings under construction that are subject to a current building approval should, in the first instance, be referred to the responsible Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) or the builder.
The details for the Principal Certifying Authority and Builder should be visible on the building sign on the front of the premises.

The individual builder remains responsible for all stormwater installations permitted under the development consent whilst the building is under construction. In the event of a complaint, the PCA has enforcement powers and must take appropriate action under the legislation.

Seepage Water

Seepage water is the responsibility of individual property owners. Where sloping blocks have been excavated to obtain in a flat yard or building site, seepage drains should be constructed to collect and redirect water to an approved stormwater drainage.

You should liaise with neighbours to address any problems. If possible, drainage easements can be created to direct water to a Council stormwater drainage system.

Localised Overland Flooding

Localised overland flooding may occur when one or more of the following happens:

• The amount of rainfall exceeds the design capacity of the stormwater and roof drainage system
• Private inlet pits and pipes are undersized or become blocked
• A building or a fence is obstructing the overland flow path

You can be held liable for damages if changes on your property increase flood levels and associate risk on an adjoining property.

Drainage Easements

A drainage easement is a legal encumbrance on the title of a property to provide Council with the authority to carry out whatever works are required on drainage infrastructure within the easement. The infrastructure can include open drainage channels, below ground pipe systems and grated inlets that are designed to accept allotment and roof water together with larger upstream catchment stormwater flows.

Generally, no structures or improvements (such as dwellings, buildings and landscaping treatments including earthworks, retaining walls and fill) are permitted within the easement boundaries.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of an easement on private property. Council is not responsible for vegetation maintenance, including the clearing of weeds and trees or any other maintenance of
overgrown vegetation, to watercourse or easements located within private property. However, Council may carry out maintenance work to stormwater drainage infrastructure located within drainage easements on private property, as deemed necessary, to ensure the efficient operation of the system.

Disputes Resolution

If you wish to formally manage dispute resolutions, you may consider contacting the Community Justices Centre. The Centre offers free advice and mediation services and can be contacted on 1800 990 777 or through
their website www.cjc.nsw.gov.au 

Who Can I Contact If My Property Is Flooding?

For emergency help in flood events, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

November 18, 2021

Following the prolonged drought during 2018-2019, Gunnedah Shire Council is reviewing the Gunnedah Shire Drought Management Plan and seeking community feedback about water conservation measures.

Council Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the review will be based on previous experience of drought events, as well as experience from across the water industry.

“Gunnedah Shire's water table has recovered well following the drought and while it is unlikely restrictions will be reintroduced in the foreseeable future, the updated plan will ensure our Shire is well prepared should we encounter drought again,” Mr Bartlett said.

“As part of the review of the Drought Management Plan and following community feedback, Council is looking at the times permitted during the day when fixed hoses, sprinklers, sprays are micro jet sprays are permitted to be used, should we move to Level 1 restrictions in the future.

“Currently under Level 1 restrictions fixed hoses are banned, except between the hours of 6-7am and 6-7pm.

“While only two hours of fixed hose use is permitted under Level 1, there is flexibility to modify these hours so they occur in a two hour block either during the morning or evening, or remain split in one hour blocks.

“We won’t be able to please everyone, but I encourage all residents connected to town water to complete our short survey to ensure their preference is considered."

The options included in the survey are listed below. Alternate times are also provided to account for daylight savings.

• One 2 hour block 5-7pm Eastern Standard Time (6-8pm Daylight Saving Time)
• One 2 hour block 7-9am Eastern Standard Time (6-8am Daylight Saving Time)
• Two 1 hour blocks 8-9am and 5-6pm Eastern Standard Time (7-8am and 7-8pm Daylight Saving Time)
• Stay the same (two 1 hour blocks 6-7am and 6-7pm in both Eastern Standard and Daylight Saving Time)

The survey takes two minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gunnedahwatersurvey 

Physical copies will be provided in the upcoming Water Instalment Notice. Once complete, please return to Council’s Elgin Street Administration Notice.

Survey closes on December 12. For further details about current water conservation measures, visit https://bit.ly/3nuXeUk.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 16, 2021

November is Asbestos Awareness Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is supporting the annual campaign to warn homeowners, renovators, tradies, property managers and farmers of the dangers of asbestos.

With one-third of Australian homes containing asbestos, this year the Asbestos Awareness campaign is focussing on renovating safely, after an increase in home renovations being undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron said there is no safe level of exposure, and waste materials containing asbestos must be disposed of properly.

“Prior to commencing work, renovators should complete an asbestos safety check and may need to engage a licenced removalist,” Mrs Cameron said.

“To support residents to identify asbestos-containing material and assist with safe management or removal, Northern Inland Regional Waste are providing free Household Asbestos Testing Kits.

“These kits are available for collection at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street and from the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on Quia Road. Kits are limited to one per household and are not designed for commercial use.

“For those needing to dispose of asbestos at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, you must arrange a booking by calling (02) 6742 3943. Anyone transporting and disposing of 100kg of asbestos waste in NSW must use the Waste Locate tracking system and have a valid consignment number.”

For further information and to view Gunnedah Shire Council’s Asbestos Management Policy, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/public-environmental-health/asbestos.

Caption: The Asbestos Awareness Campaign is running throughout November.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 12, 2021

This Christmas, the gift that keeps on giving is a Gunny Money gift card.

The gift card program has already injected more than half a million dollars into the Gunnedah Shire economy, ensuring that money is spent at local businesses who are registered with the card.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the Gunny Money gift card initiative was the perfect way to buy local this Christmas.

“Last month alone, people bought more than $130,000 worth of Gunny Money gift cards,” Mr Johns said.

“That’s spending that goes straight back into local businesses, local employment and local people. It’s just what Gunnedah needs after two years of disrupted trading due to COVID-19.

“Gunny Money gift cards also make a really thoughtful gift. They can be redeemed at more than 100 outlets in Gunnedah, from hair and beauty salons to hotels, and automotive and agricultural outlets to the cinema. There’s something for everyone.”

Gunny Money gift cards are also a popular choice for teacher presents, staff bonuses and incentives, staff Christmas presents and raffle prizes.

Gunny Money gift cards can be purchased at:

• Why Leave Town: www.whyleavetown.com/purchase-online
• Gunnedah Shire Council
• Enchanted on Conadilly
• Gunnedah Newsagency
• The Verdict Café
• Goodness & Gracious
• Gunnedah Locksmiths
• Karen Carter Chemist

People who have received a Gunny Money gift card are also encouraged to spend their cards this Christmas – either on something for themselves, gifts for their loved ones, maybe a turkey for the festive season, or even to pay bills such as vet bills or rates.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 12, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council Events & Engagement Officer Madeline (Maddy) Buhagiar has been awarded a scholarship for a Diploma of Event Management in partnership with industry body Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).

Maddy is among 18 regionally based students selected by a panel of representatives from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Council was delighted Maddy had been selected.

“We are proud that Maddy, supported by her manager Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla, has been given this opportunity,” Mr Formann said. “This is not only great for Maddy and Council, but for our community, which will benefit from the skills she will learn.

“As our Events and Engagement Officer, Maddy develops and delivers community events, and with a broader skills base and the most up-to-date learning, she can provide even more support to helping grow Gunnedah as a vibrant Shire.”

Maddy, who has worked at Gunnedah Shire Council for three years, said she looked forward to building on her events management skills.

“This is a great opportunity and I’m excited to expand our horizons through this MEA qualification,” Maddy said. “I am really enjoying my role in events management and would like to thank the MEA, the NSW Government, Destination NSW and Gunnedah Shire Council for making this possible.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said  the scholarships would help stimulate business events in regional communities.

“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy, particularly for regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“We know that the best way forwards is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that – giving people the tools and extra support needed to kickstart their careers.

“I congratulate the 20 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Maddy Buhagiar has been selected for a Diploma of Event Management Scholarship.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 12, 2021

Christmas is just around the corner and Gunnedah Shire Council is kick-starting the festive season with the launch of the annual Christmas Lights Competition.

The Christmas Lights Competition is a chance for some friendly rivalry by dressing up your home with Christmas lights and decorations. All residents and local businesses are invited to participate.

Christmas lights and displays will be judged and awarded prizes under six categories, including:

• Best Decorated House - $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Best Nativity Scene - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village - $150 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Santa Street – Winners Plaque and $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Judges Choice Award - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window - $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The competition opens this Monday, November 15. Entries close at 5pm on December 10.

Entry forms are available at www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events and hard copies can be collected from the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Completed nomination forms can be submitted to Gunnedah Shire Council by emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au, submitting in person at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or by posting to PO Box 63, Gunnedah, NSW 2380.

Caption: Silversmith Place took out the coveted title for the best neighbourhood effort in the 2020 competition.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

10 November, 2021

Something strange is coming to the neighbourhood when Ghostbusters: Afterlife storms the Civic screen.

The spooky classic has taken a new turn and will haunt the Civic for the first time as a fundraiser for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund on Thursday, December 2, helping young Gunnedah students start their tertiary education journey.

Who you gonna call? As many of your friends and family as you can find to dress up and be in the running for the prizes for best dressed. There will also be lucky door prizes.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the next chapter in the Ghostbusters universe. A single mum and her two kids arrive in a small town, where they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

It promises to be spooktacular, with the candy bar open for i-scream and other screen-side freaky treats.

Come along to support the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund and show the world you ain’t afraid of no ghost!

? Date: Thursday, December 2, 2021
? Doors open: 6pm for 6.30pm movie start
? Rated: PG
? Price: $20
? Tickets: https://thecivic.com.au/youth

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

9 November, 2021

It’s time to open our hearts to the children in our community who might miss out this Christmas with the annual Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

This is the seventh year Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army have joined forces for the appeal which helps bring joy to children on Christmas Day.

Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton said the Community Christmas Toy Appeal had brightened thousands of small faces over the years.

“This is such a simple way people can help others out,” Ms Hilton said. “All you have to do is take an unwrapped toy to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street office and put it under the tree, or drop it at Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street.

“A new toy on Christmas Day could make a wonderful difference to a child’s Christmas. Gunnedah Shire Council is very happy to partner with the Salvation Army, who know where gifts are needed the most, again this festive season.”

Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt said initiatives such as the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Toy Appeal were very important at this time of year.

“The need is just as great this Christmas,” she said. “COVID-19 has had a big impact on our community and this appeal can help make Christmas cheerful.

“We are happy we can all work together in partnership for our community.”
Toys for all ages of children and young people are welcome, but for hygiene reasons and due to COVID-19, pre-loved toys, pre-loved clothing and food donations cannot be accepted. If you can help out, please bring the unwrapped toys to:

• Gunnedah Shire Council, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, or
• Gunnedah Shire Library, 291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: (From left) Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton, Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt, Salvation Army Major Zane Haupt and Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett launch the Community Christmas Tree Appeal.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 4, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has thrown its support behind listing Kurrumbede Homestead on the State Heritage Register.

The Heritage Council of NSW announced in October it was giving consideration to listing Kurrumbede Homestead Complex on the State Heritage Register in acknowledgement of its heritage significance to the people of New South Wales.

Members of the community, owners, managers, organisations and other interested parties were invited by the Heritage Council of NSW to make submissions about the proposal up until November 15, 2021.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to support the move at an extraordinary meeting of Council this week.

The report to Council noted the homestead, built by the Mackellar family in 1906, was an example of a large pastoral landholding in the early 20^th century, had been a second home to famous poet Dorothea Mackellar, and had an association with Olympic swimmer Andrew “Boy” Charlton who was a station hand at Kurrumbede.

The homestead, a grand rural residence set within formal gardens, is one of the earliest concrete block residential structures in New South Wales.

Caption: Council will support a move to list Kurrumbede on the State Heritage Register.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 4, 2021

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group is calling on the community to nominate outstanding residents and organisations for the annual Australia Day Awards.

The awards recognise and honour individuals and groups in the Gunnedah community who have worked tirelessly to shape and enrich the Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said each year the Australia Day Awards celebrate the service and contributions of some of Gunnedah’s extraordinary residents.

“Nominations are now open to recognise individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their efforts and service to the community,” Mr Formann said.

“This year the Australia Day Awards are especially significant as they acknowledge the strength, resilience and capacity of the Gunnedah community when faced with adversity.

“Many community champions have stepped up in 2021, assisting others during the COVID-19 pandemic and would be worthy of recognition.

“If you know someone in our community who has done an amazing job for a charity or community organisation, or who should be recognised for their contributions to education, health, sports or the environment, please consider putting them forward by completing a nomination form.”

There are 12 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2022. They include:

• Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over),
• Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under),
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award,
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy,
• Community and Cultural Achievement Award,
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award,
• Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over),
• Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under),
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under),
• Sports Team of the Year Award,
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award, and
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).

Nomination forms are available at https://thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events. Applications close 5pm Friday January 14, 2022.

Winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards Dinner, to be held on Tuesday January 25, 2022.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.