Should I report blocked stormwater drains?
Published on 08 May 2025
The Macleay Valley has experienced higher-than-average rainfall throughout April, continuing into May, placing significant pressure on the stormwater drainage system. While Council's infrastructure is designed to manage both frequent and extreme rainfall events, much of the network is aging.
Issues with blocked and overflowing stormwater drains can be reported to Council either by completing the online “Report an Issue” form or by contacting Customer Service. Officers will determine if the blockage is associated with the residence and the responsibility of the property owner, or if it’s in the network on public land and requires Council attention.
Stormwater overflows present risks to public safety and the environment, including potential damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and ecological impacts. The severity of these risks will be considered when prioritising a response to a reported issue.
Residents and property owners have a vital role in preventing stormwater drainage issues. Keeping the headwalls and pipes under residential driveways clear ensures an uninterrupted flow along the table drains, which helps minimise erosion.
Other simple effective actions that are the responsibility of residents include properly disposing of garden waste, clearing leaves and debris from gutters, and refraining from dumping rubbish into drains. This all contributes to maintaining the integrity of the stormwater system and protecting the local environment.
Council's draft Strategic Asset Management Plan, currently on public exhibition, values stormwater and flood mitigation assets at $179.4 million as of 2024. An allocation of $7.4 million over the next decade has been committed for renewing these assets, which is estimated to cover around 51% of the projected requirements. A comprehensive network condition assessment is necessary to fully evaluate the aging stormwater infrastructure and more accurately estimate renewal costs.
The plan explains that the renewal gap, the difference between required expenditure on asset renewal and available funding, poses a significant challenge for Kempsey Shire Council. This gap contributes to Council’s advocacy for external funding support.
More information about the draft plan, which will be presented for adoption in June, is available on Your Say Macleay at ksc.pub/ysm