REDLAND City Council has unanimously supported a detailed report into ongoing flooding and drainage concerns along Beveridge Road at Thornlands, with officers saying much of the requested work is already underway.
Cr Paul Gollè moved the notice of motion, seconded by Cr Rowanne McKenzie, seeking an assessment of flooding impacts affecting homes, roads and surrounding land during heavy rain.
The report will examine the cumulative impact of existing and approved development in the Beveridge Road catchment, deficiencies in stormwater infrastructure, and options, costs and timeframes for drainage upgrades and flood-mitigation works.
It will also include consultation with affected residents and property owners, while Council reviews how future development applications in the catchment address stormwater, downstream flooding, environmental constraints and infrastructure capacity.
Cr Gollè said he wanted the matter progressed without it being “convoluted” by political disputes.
“What I’m seeking … is simply a report and advice from Council officers,” he told the meeting.
“I just want to crack on, get this report underway and work with officers towards a successful outcome.”
Acting Mayor Julie Talty asked whether the request would create extra costs beyond work already planned or in progress.
Council officer Chris Isles said the report could be prepared through normal processes and would not require additional funding outside existing operational budgets.
He said officers were comfortable with the scope of the motion and could respond quickly to many matters because relevant work was already being investigated, underway or nearing completion.
Cr Gollè said the unanimous vote was an important result for affected residents.
“This motion was fully supported by all councillors, and that is a win for my residents,” he said.
“Development approvals cannot continue where it is known that flooding will impact an area. We need to ensure new developments are not approved in areas where they will worsen existing problems.
“Beveridge Road has historically been a troublesome area for flooding, and this motion, which puts residents’ concerns front and centre, has also set a strong pathway forward to address the current issues and ensure meaningful changes are made.”
In summing up before the vote, Cr Gollè said the report would give residents confidence that Council was acting.
“This report will simply bring some substance and confidence to the community that Council is working on this,” he said.
“It takes me out of that line of past political arguments—who said what and where is it? We just get on with the job.”
