Belmont resident Loreen Thompson’s flooding fears after drain change

Residents in a Belmont pocket are calling for action, saying a drain change by council has caused widespread flooding.

Loreen Thompson with sandbags outside her Belmont home that is subject to flooding. Picture: Alison Wynd

Belmont residents concerned their properties are being flooded due to a drain installed by council have launched a community campaign to find a fix.

Loreen Thompson, 80, is leading the push.

She moved to her home on McKeown Lane more than 16 years ago when she downsized following her husband’s death.

For the first 14 years drainage was never an issue, but after council replaced the existing drain in the laneway in 2022, water started flowing into her yard during heavy rain.

The City of Greater Geelong says it is working to understand the issue.

Ms Thompson said last Wednesday’s downpour marked the fourth time this year rain had caused flooding in the area between her lane and High St.

“We had 30ml for the day,” she said.

Loreen Thompson, left, Gayle Ward, Jenny Diery and Stephen Jensen are all affect by flooding to their Belmont homes. Picture: Alison Wynd

“Everyone was out in the street stressing.”

Ms Thompson said while only her garage and outdoor area had been affected, at least six people in the area had their homes flooded.

“We’re angry,” she said.

“It’s not about me, other people around the area have it so much worse.

“People can’t believe (it).”

Water flowing down Collins St in Belmont, into McKeown Lane.

Water entering Loreen Thompson's house in Belmont.

Ms Thompson said she was sick of the inaction and had been petitioning to council to fix the issue.

Her calls have so far fallen on deaf ears, so she is holding a community forum at nearby South Barwon Community Centre on Thursday night at 7pm.

Flood damage in McKeown Lane Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I’ve been doing letterbox drops, letting people know,” Ms Thompson said.

“I’m a little old lady who the council just think is a troublemaker.”

She fears that if nothing is done, she will have to move away from the house that has become her home.

“I have support here,” she said.

City of Greater Geelong executive director James Sirton said in 2022 council replaced three shallow drainage pits and the connected box culverts with a spoon drain and a new kerb.

“The original shallow drainage pits and box culverts were designed to direct minor stormwater flows across the intersection and back into the kerb,” Mr Sirton said.

“However, without an underground drainage connection at this location, the pits were prone to blockages from debris, creating ongoing maintenance issues.

“To better understand and address flood risk, the city is progressively undertaking flood studies across 26 stormwater catchments as part of our Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-30.

“The properties around McKeown Lane are part of the Highton catchment, which will be studied in 2025.

“Our civil infrastructure manager plans to meet with residents this week to discuss our strategy and talk through what the city is doing to improve stormwater management.”

Originally published as Belmont resident Loreen Thompson’s flooding fears after drain change