Ararat council workers are out in force to prepare the municipality for extreme weather events.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the staff regularly cleaned the city’s waterways, drains and catchments to reduce the pressure on drainage systems.  

“The works team also have completed a range of projects to assist with drainage on our local roads,” he said

“This year, council completed a range of verge works across the municipality for better drainage and durability.

“The works team has also completed drainage projects in the region, such as on Laby Street, which is already seeing a benefit.

“These works will improve the water flow and allow our infrastructure to cope better with floods.” 

Dr Harrison said residents could minimise flood risks by keeping waterways clean.  

“One of the most considerable threats to our waterways is human waste such as plastics, these block our waterways and greatly increase the risk of flooding,” he said. 

Dr Harrison said residents could also ensure their property was flood-ready by cleaning gutters and removing waste or debris that could block drainage in heavy rain. 

“We greatly encourage the community to prepare and plan for fire and flood emergencies,” he said.

“We need to remember that even with the La Niña event this year, fire is still a risk through our summer season.” 

The council’s emergency management team is working with the community to ensure all those who are at risk of flood and other emergencies are prepared.

A range of resources is available to assist with planning and can be found on the council’s website, www.ararat.vic.gov.au.

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