By Mitchell Clarke
An Officer road which is notorious for flooding is being investigated by Melbourne Water for a potential drain blockage.
Station Street again flooded on Saturday 24 October, prompting urgent calls for a permanent fix.
Officer Fire Brigade captain Justin Van Den Broek said flooding events, like the recent incident, affected volunteers and their ability to respond to emergencies, particularly in the southern coverage area of Officer, Officer South and Cardinia.
“It does affect us when responding to the fire station from home – as we’re all volunteers – and then from the fire station to the job if it’s south of the station,” Mr Van Den Broek explained.
“Luckily on Saturday the two fire calls we received were located north of us, but it still affected how our members drove to the station.”
With above average rainfall and flooding events predicted due to the La Nina weather event, Mr Van Den Broek said it was important for motorists to never drive through flooded roads.
But despite repeated warnings, many motorists were seen ignoring the floodwaters by proceeding to drive through.
“There were a few cars who turned around before entering, which was great to see but we witnessed many cars travel through the flood waters on Saturday which creates a significant risk to themselves – and the first responders – as you cannot see the road edge when it’s flooded,” Mr Van Den Broek added.
“We’ve responded to jobs on Station Street between Gumleaf Lane and Rix Road in the past because of vehicles falling into the embankment during flood events.”
Gembrook MP Brad Battin called for immediate action. He said flooding at the site wasn’t an unusual spectacle.
“It is not new – it happens all the time. The drains along there have not been cleared in ten years, yet the Andrews Labor Government ignore it,” he said.
“There will be an accident unless it is fixed.”
The incident was reported to Cardinia Shire Council, who escalated the issue to Melbourne Water.
A Melbourne Water spokeswoman said crews inspected the site and were investigating whether a blockage in the drain contributed to the flooding.
She said crews will continue to regularly inspect and de-silt drains in the area to help minimise flood risks from heavy rain.
