Melbourne Water has recently undertaken routine inspections of Lilydale Drain and other drainage assets within the local area. To maintain these assets, and to ensure that they continue to provide appropriate drainage for the local area, maintenance works are required.
What do the works involve?
Melbourne Water will soon be removing built-up sediment from a section of the Lilydale Drain near Nimblefoot Way.
Machinery will be used to excavate the accumulated sediment, which will then be temporarily stockpiled onsite to allow it to naturally dry out.
The sediment stockpile will then be removed by trucks after it has dried out. The drying process can take up to 8 to 10 weeks and is dependent on weather conditions.
We will also be trimming down reeds at the site. Vegetation management is often required, as part of a regular maintenance program of works, to manage the drain and can include the removal of dead trees.
What will you notice?
Local residents may notice some minor activity that includes:
- increase in vehicles and machinery in the area during our works
- some increased noise, if excavation is required
- minor odour while the silt is drying caused by the natural process of material breaking down and is harmless
- pedestrian and traffic management will be in place, as required.
We will make every effort to minimise the impact of these essential works on the local community and the environment, and thank you for your patience.
Timing of works
Works are expected to commence in late November or early December, weather permitting, and are expected to take 4 to 5 days to complete. Further work to remove the dried sediment of site will take place 8-10 weeks later.
The works will be carried out between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday in accordance with EPA guidelines.
Why is Melbourne Water doing these works?
These works will ensure the waterway can continue to operate as it should and allow water to drain appropriately through the drainage network. To ensure vegetation around the waterway is appropriately managed Melbourne Water will be undertaking inspections of Lilydale drain every four months.
Melbourne Water is committed to delivering world-class solutions with minimal impact on the community, on businesses and on the environment, and we thank you for your patience during these essential works.
Contact us
If you have questions or feedback on the project, please get in touch with the project team:
Go to the Yarra Ranges Council website to keep up to date on what both Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water are doing in the local area related to drainage and flood mitigation works, and subscribe to the e-newsletter.