Survey investigations of the underground drainage network were completed in January 2026.

The collected survey data has been reviewed by the consultant, and several mitigation options have now been developed to address the flooding issues identified across Raymond Island.

What’s happening now

We are currently reviewing the proposed mitigation options to determine the most suitable and practical approach before progressing to the next stage.

What’s happening next

Where direct access to some drainage pits was not possible, engineering assessment will be used to confirm how the surrounding pipes function together. A small number of drainage assets are also being finalised through follow-up survey work in collaboration with the surveyor.

This work represents an important step toward developing a clearer understanding of the island’s drainage system and will help guide well-planned, long-term maintenance and upgrade decisions.

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Thank you to everyone who provided feedback via survey (November 2024 to January 2025) and by email.

We appreciate the time and effort taken in providing your constructive feedback.

What we heard through consultation

Community feedback consistently highlighted recurring stormwater and groundwater flooding across Raymond Island, particularly affecting residential streets and low-lying areas. Residents reported frequent inundation of roads, driveways, yards and nature strips during moderate to heavy rainfall, often resulting in restricted access, vehicles becoming bogged, and difficulties for elderly residents.

Flooding has been reported to persist for extended periods after rainfall, creating ongoing access issues and mosquito breeding conditions. Several respondents also described impacts to private property, including loss of mature trees due to prolonged waterlogging and increasing erosion along the foreshore where lake levels and runoff interact with weakened banks.

Contributing factors identified by the community included limited or non-existent stormwater infrastructure in some streets, road profiles that allow water to pond, blocked or damaged drains and pipes, leaf litter and debris build-up, high groundwater levels, and runoff flowing from adjoining streets. Some residents also raised concerns about historic road upgrades affecting existing drainage connections.

Where drainage upgrades or maintenance have occurred, residents noted temporary or localised improvements. Suggestions from the community included more frequent drain and pit cleaning, improved street sweeping, investigation and repair of damaged pipework, installation of additional drainage infrastructure, improved connections to lake outfalls, and proactive foreshore protection works.

Your feedback has been carefully considered.

A summary of feedback can be found HERE

Raymond Island has many drainage 'problem areas' which cannot be addressed appropriately through regular maintenance.

The existing infrastructure is not sufficient in allowing water to drain, leading to localised inundation across the island. Council plan to undertake a wholistic approach with prioritisation of the main drainage elements for further detailed design and drainage upgrades.

The project scope includes data collection, survey, hydrological and hydraulic modelling, flood mapping, water quality, preliminary ecological assessment, high level concept design and costings for drainage upgrade.

On 30 August 2024, Stantec Australia was awarded the contract to deliver high level concept design for drainage upgrade, an important first step towards drainage upgrade.

We welcome your continued interest in this project.

Council officers and engineers are currently outlining the scope of work to engage an independent consultant who will be responsible for developing a comprehensive stormwater drainage strategy for Raymond Island.