A tender has been released to market for the construction of a stormwater detention basin and associated drainage as part of flood mitigation measures for Rapid Creek.
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) said this important infrastructure was part of the Darwin Region Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee’s recommendations.
Flooding can occur in the Rapid Creek catchment when heavy rain combined with high tides causes flood water to back up into the Creek and flood low-lying properties.
The detention basin will be constructed on the corner of McMillans Road and Henry Wrigley Drive in Marrara. The detention basin is designed to temporarily hold stormwater flows from Anula, Moil and parts of Marrara outside of the flood extent during flood events. Construction of the detention basin, combined with other flood mitigation measures to be implemented at the Darwin International Airport, will significantly reduce the impact of flooding on downstream properties.
The basin design is seeking to retain as much native vegetation as possible, with land to be cleared for the perimeter embankment only, while the excavation for the basin floor is in the previously cleared part of the site. When complete, the basin floor and embankment will be grassed to stabilise it against erosion and it will remain free draining, holding water generally no longer than 24 hours after a large rainfall event.
Once the contract has been awarded, construction is expected to begin in July 2017, with excavation and bulk earthworks completed before the onset of the wet season. The project is currently undergoing environmental assessment by the NT Environment Protection Authority.
Residents and the general public will be kept updated on any impacts of the construction works and required traffic management on Henry Wrigley Drive and Abala Road as part of the project.
Any queries about the flood mitigation measures and construction of the detention basin can contact the flood mitigation hotline on 1800 560 308 or email flood.migitation@nt.gov.au.
Media Contact: Nikola Lekias, Media Manager, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics 89465135.