Stormwater Flood Mitigation Bernhardt Court
| What we're doing: | Council has been successful in securing a grant from the Stormwater Management Authority (SMA) for the construction of flood mitigation and rejuvenation works on Bernhardt Court, Fletcher Road, Mount Barker Creek and Railway Creek. |
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| How much is it going to cost: | $2,314,746 |
| Timeframe: | 2025/26 - 2027-28 |
| Background: | Railway Creek and Mount Barker Creek have become less capable of conveying large flood flows due to increased rainfall projections caused by climate change and the build-up of silt in the creek that reduces flow carrying capacity. The Stormwater Management Authority (SMA) provides grants to Councils to address stormwater management issues that have been identified in Councils approved Stormwater Management Plans (SMP). Council’s 2014 Mount Barker, Totness & Littlehampton Stormwater Management Plan is an approved plan and has identified Mount Barker Creek and Railway Creek adjacent Bernhardt Court as requiring rejuvenation and the installation of levee banks to ensure it continues to prevent properties from flooding for up to the 1% AEP storm event (1 in 100 year ARI). Upgrades are also proposed to the underground stormwater drainage system in Fletcher Road to prevent stormwater entering Bernhardt Court. At the end of this pipe is a new Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) that removes pollutants (trash) from the stormwater before it enters Railway Creek. The design for these works is complete and has been 50% funded (up to $80,000) through a grant via the SMA on an equal cost share basis. At its 3 March 2025 meeting, Council authorised staff to make a further application to the SMA for 50% funding towards the construction of all three stages of this project on a 50% cost share basis (i.e. Councils share is also $1,157,373). On 30 June 2025, Council received advice that it had been successful in securing the grant for the full amount of up to $1,157,373 (excl. GST) as requested. Council has included Stage 1 of this project (Fletcher Road stormwater upgrade and GPT) in its 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget and has undertaken to construct Stage 2 in 2026/27. |
November 2026
Stage 1B – Fletcher Road Stormwater Improvements
The Fletcher Road Stage 1B Stormwater Improvement Project has delivered upgraded drainage infrastructure between the railway crossing and Railway Creek, improving stormwater management and reducing the risk of localised flooding.
Key improvements include:
- Installation of new stormwater pipes and drainage pits along Fletcher Road.
- Construction of a Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) to capture sediment and debris before entering Railway Creek.
- Increased drainage capacity to improve stormwater flow towards the creek.
Project Status:
The majority of construction works are complete, with only minor rectification works and creek cleaning remaining.
Creek cleaning has been delayed due to recent rainfall and elevated creek levels. Subject to suitable weather and creek conditions, all remaining works are expected to be completed by the end of November 2026.
Affected residents and road users will be notified before works recommence. Traffic management will be in place where required, with access to adjacent properties maintained.
Stage 2 – Mount Barker Creek and Railway Creek Rejuvenation
Since the January 2026 update, detailed designs have been finalised and a preferred contractor identified through a competitive tender process.
Stage 2 will improve flood protection, stormwater flow and the creek environment, while increasing capacity to manage future rainfall events.
Key improvements include:
- Improved stormwater drainage from Bernhardt Court into Mount Barker Creek.
- Creek widening, installation of a silt trap and construction of a low-flow channel.
- Construction of new levees to improve flood protection.
- Renewal of footpaths along the new levees.
- Landscaping and erosion protection improvements.
Up coming Works:
Preliminary activities, including underground service investigations and stakeholder notifications, are expected to commence in December 2026.
Construction is anticipated to commence the week of 11 January 2027, with completion expected in April 2027.
Council and its contractor will work to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and pedestrians. Some temporary access changes and minor disruptions may be unavoidable, and Council appreciates the community's patience during construction.
January 2026
All design work has been completed, and construction of Stage 1 is scheduled to commence in April 2026. Stage 1 includes the installation of new concrete pipes and pits, as well as a Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) in Fletcher Road. Please look out for advisory signage and traffic management measures around the construction site to help keep our road workers safe.
July 2025
Design work is nearly complete on all three stages of this project. Stage 1 will be tendered to market in early 2025/26.
It is intended to tender Stage 2 (Mount Barker Creek and Railway Creek rejuvenation work) in 2026/27.
Works are expected to take place in the summer months to take advantage of the dryer weather conditions which is particularly important for Stage 2 works that include the rejuvenation of the creeks, construction of a silt basin and the construction of levee banks.