Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (12:40): (2554) My constituency question is for the Minister for Water. How will the Elwood main drain duplication project benefit the residents of Elwood? The Elwood main drain was built in the 1950s to carry stormwater from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs out to Port Phillip, but the drain is at maximum capacity, creating flood risk for more than 500 properties along the Elwood Canal and the Elster Creek during major storms. We know that risk is only increasing with climate change. To address this risk, Melbourne Water is duplicating the Elwood main drain from Elsternwick Park to the Elwood pier, strengthening the capacity of the drainage network to reduce flood risk for local residents. Works have already started in Elwood Park, building 660 metres of new drain to supplement the existing infrastructure, as well as widening the Elwood Pier and diversion structures for the Elster Creek. There is going to be a bit of disruption as the project continues, but it is going to be worth it to protect the residents of Elwood.