Stormwater & drains

In our tropical climate, it is very important that we manage our drains and waterways to minimise flooding and inundation risks, and to ensure that the water flowing through them is free from pollution.

Council’s stormwater system has been designed to accept water from surrounding hillslopes, private properties, roads and parkland, and ultimately discharges it to the ocean.

The stormwater and drainage system includes roads, kerbing, stormwater pits and pipes, open natural channels, concrete lined drains, headwalls, culverts, detention basins (often parks also perform this function) and wetlands.

Stormwater drain safety

All stormwater drains are dangerous to play in or walk through, especially underground stormwater drains.

During the wet season, the danger of drowning or injury is even greater.

Residents, especially children, playing in or near flood waters can be quickly swept away, be injured by debris or drown if they become trapped.

Our stormwater safety message for children is: 'Use your brain, Don't play in pipes and drains'.

You can download these stormwater safety colouring-in sheets and posters for children to reinforce the safety message.

• Download a colouring-in sheet ( PDF, 0.28 MB )
• Download a stormwater safety poster ( PDF, 0.67 MB ).