Flooded Dalton St residents fed up with drainage

Waterlogged residents of Monto's Dalton St street are fed up with a dud drainage system they say is flooding their properties.

RUBBISH: Dalton St residents Debbie O'Sullivan, Brian White and Malcom Miller are fed up with flooding caused by the poor drainage on their busted gutter. Picture: Mackenzie Colahan

WATERLOGGED residents of one Monto street are fed up with a drainage system they say is flooding their properties.

The awkwardly-shaped Dalton St sits on a hill adjacent to the town's sports fields.

According to the inhabitants of a section of road between Rutherford and Thomson streets, the damaged gutter is in urgent need of repair.

Long-term occupant Debbie O'Sullivan said the problem began when the 2013 floods warped the road and caused the gutter to sink.

Now, any meaningful rainfall causes their gutter to overflow, sending water rushing under the houses situated on the low-side of Dalton.

Ms O'Sullivan said her neighbours had lodged a complaint with North Burnett Regional Council more than a year ago but nothing had been done.

"I've lived here for eight years. It used to happen once in a blue moon but now it's happening all the time,” Ms O'Sullivan said.

"Now, even an inch or two of rain and the gutter won't hold. Every time there is a heavy downpour we flood.

"It has been gradually getting worse.

"I realise the council weren't going to be able to fix it overnight - it's a big job.

"But they said they would look into it 12 months ago and I think they've had enough warning.

"The rates we pay are as high as Bundaberg or Townsville and we get nothing for it.”

Brian White and Debbie O'Sullivan inspect the out-of-shape gutter in front of their houses. Picture: Mackenzie Colahan

Ms O'Sullivan and neighbours, Brian White and Malcolm Miller, said they had appliances like washing machines and air-conditioning units under their houses, and used the area for storage.

They said repeated flooding was eroding gardens, damaging driveways and forming stagnant pools in the gutter that provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"They need to do something,” Mr Miller said.

"Every time our stuff gets damaged we have to pay for it.

"I've had to put stones and sleepers under the house.

"Neighbours have put stuff up on pallets to stop them getting wet, but that's extra work we shouldn't have to do.”

Mayor Rachel Chambers said the North Burnett's works budget had been expended and, unless it was deemed a safety issue, the project would not be considered until next financial year.

"Council has an appreciation for the issues they are experiencing,” Cr Chambers said.

"As has been discussed with the residents, the best solution would be a storm water system.

"Each year multiple drainage issues within the council area are nominated to be funded.

"As with all budgets, there are multiple competing priorities and this project has not got funded as yet.

"If it's a safety issue we address it before the next budget but for all other issues they go back into review and a prioritisation process.”

Originally published as Flooded Dalton St residents fed up with drainage