Pain in the drain

By Lia Bichel
THE City of Casey Council has advised that property owners are responsible for the stormwater connection between their property boundary and the stormwater drains managed and maintained by the council.
The comments come after an Endeavour Hills man told the News last week he feared a storm water drain near his property would create a flood of problems in the future if the Casey Council did not accept ownership of it.
Steve Hastings said the drain on the nature strip of his Brandon Court property was blocked during the floods in February, causing water to spill into his house. He was told by the council to call a plumber and put in a private claim, but the plumber confirmed that the blockage was not on his property.
Mr Hastings said the council sent a works group to clear the drain, but he still sent the council a claim of $350 to cover the cost of the plumber.
Instead of receiving the money, Mr Hastings received a letter from Echelon Claims Services, on behalf of Casey, who said Mr Hastings was responsible for the drain and Casey Council was not.
Mr Hastings said the council needed to accept responsibility for the drain or the flooding could happen again.
Casey roads and construction manager Robert Kriek said the council was only responsible for the actual connection point provided in the kerb and channel.
“The council maintains its stormwater drains in accordance with its Road Management Plan. Drainage pits and associated underground drains are inspected annually and cleaned as required,” Mr Kriek said.
Casey’s acting administration manager Glenda McMillan said the City of Casey was obliged to ensure that compensation was only paid in circumstances where the council was the responsible authority and where it was proven to be legally liable.