Bluff Point business operators call for drainage fix after flash flooding on Chapman Road

Greater Geraldton council will assess stormwater systems in Bluff Point after a heavy downpour this week caused flash flooding in and around the suburb’s retail precinct. Businesses are calling for upgraded drainage systems after torrential rain submerged streets and carparks around Bluff Point on Monday. A video posted to social media showed the extent of the flooding, as cars navigated their way along Chapman Road around businesses. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 24.2mm of rain in the 24 hours up until Tuesday morning, with 10mm falling between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Midwest Fresh Market, which operates until 7pm weekdays, was forced to escort customers out and lock the doors as torrential rain rushed inside. Business owner Laxmi Dhakal said it was frightening watching water rush into the store. She said produce in storage, such as potatoes and onions, had to be checked for water damage. Ms Dhakal hoped drainage systems were upgraded to keep water levels at bay in future. “There’s a drain near the back door, but it was so much rain, so I don’t think the drain would have been able to hold the capacity of the rain . . . the water was coming up and then getting inside the back door,” she said. Bluff Point Newsagency and Post manager Valerie Casley said staff layered towels against the back door to prevent flooding when rain was forecast. “We were lucky this time, because our drains didn’t overflow greatly at all, and we didn’t get any inside the store,” she said. “I think something does need to be done. I mean, again, our rates go up. So we would expect something to be done. “It’s the same with anything. You’ve got to maintain things or it gets worse.” Bluff Point Deli and Gearing Butchers mopped up small amounts of water that had crept indoors, while the Wintersun Hotel carpark flooded and water made its way to the outdoor seating area. Geraldton-Greenough State Emergency Service volunteers responded to 19 requests for assistance from households in Spalding, Tarcoola Beach and Strathalbyn after the heavy rain. City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the city was looking at what measures could be put in place to avoid future flash flooding in the area. “The heavy rain on Monday night put the city’s stormwater system under pressure due to the volume of rain in a short period of time,” he said. “Further assessment is being conducted to see if improvements can be made in order to mitigate similar weather events in the future.”