Brisbane City Council has flagged a significant drainage upgrade for New Farm next year to improve flood resilience and protect residents, businesses, and public spaces during severe weather events.
New Farm’s original drainage networks, constructed in the early 1900s, were among the city’s first efforts to manage flooding.
Since then, Brisbane’s population has grown ten-fold, making these upgrades critical to manage and minimise future flooding risks in the local area, said Civic Cabinet Chair for Infrastructure, Andrew Wines.
“While flooding can’t be entirely prevented in Brisbane, our Council is taking proactive steps to reduce risks and improve resilience,” he said.
“These works, scheduled for completion in just six months, will deliver increase flood resilience for our suburbs now and into the future.”
The Elystan Road and New Farm Park Drainage project involves constructing additional stormwater infrastructure, including new drainage pipes, connections, and roadside gullies to reduce the risk of localised flooding.
Micro-tunnelling techniques will be used where drainage pipes can be installed underground without digging up the surface to minimise the need for above-groundwork and disruptions to residents.
“New Farm has some of the oldest drainage in all of Brisbane and by delivering this upgrade we are helping our suburbs be more resilient,” said Central Ward Councillor, Vicki Howard.
“We are using specialised techniques to deliver this project to ensure the least impact to residents and people visiting New Farm Park and the surrounding areas.”
The Council confirmed three essential projects will be delivered to enhance New Farm Park and the surrounding areas:
- Elystan Road Drainage Upgrade – enhancing flood resilience by upgrading stormwater infrastructure. Works planned for January to June 2025;
- Backflow Device Maintenance – upgrading systems to help protect nearby areas from river backflow during flood events. Works planned for April to June 2025;
- Playground Redecking – improving New Farm Park Playground. Works planned for May to September 2025.
