Storms can happen anywhere at any time of the year and are the most frequent emergencies affecting Victorians.
Storms can be accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones and lightning and may result in flash flooding, unroofing of buildings, and damage to trees and powerlines all of which can pose a significant safety risk to people, animals, households and businesses.
We work to ensure public drains, roadway kerbs and channel systems are clear to provide for clear drainage following heavy rainfall.
For local flood guides and information on how to prepare for floods and storms visit the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) website.
For up to date information on floods and storms, visit the VIC Emergency website or call the VIC Emergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
In an emergency where life is at risk, always call 000.
Having trouble with stormwater drainage? We can help you understand what might be causing it and how to fix it.
While our drainage system handles most rainfall well, extremely heavy storms may overwhelm it, potentially leading to stormwater issues.
Table of contents
Common causes of blockages
Stormwater runoff flooding from your neighbour's property
Report a blocked stormwater drain
Stormwater problems can happen if things like tree roots or debris block the underground stormwater pipes on your property. They can also occur if gutters, downpipes or new installations like paving or rainwater tanks aren’t properly managed.
Every property owner is responsible for ensuring that each stormwater drainage pipe from their property to a council drain (in the road reserve) is properly constructed and repaired, under our General Local Laws. This includes:
- stormwater pipes
- gutters
- downpipes
- stormpits
- any other part running from your property to the road.
Make sure all of these parts are maintained and clear of any debris.
Hire a qualified plumber or a drain cleaning service to check and fix any issues with your property’s drainage.
Find out what steps to take if stormwater from your neighbour's property is causing flooding.
Flooding caused by gutter or downpipe issues
If your neighbour’s downpipes or guttering are damaged or missing, this is a civil matter. We have no legislative power to require your neighbour to maintain their downpipes or guttering.
Start by talking to your neighbour. If you can't solve it together, you can contact us on 03 8470 8888 for a non-legal mediation service, or take legal action through a solicitor.
Flooding caused by new landscaping, paving or concreting
If your neighbour has recently completed landscaping or installed new paved or concreted areas, try to reach a mutually suitable solution.
If this doesn't work, you can contact us on 03 8470 8888 for a non-legal mediation service or take legal action through a solicitor.
Flooding caused by new sheds
If your neighbour has recently erected a small shed (under 10m2), this is a civil matter. Try to sort it out with your neighbour first.
If that doesn't work, you can call the Dispute Settlement Centre on 03 8470 8888 for a non-legal mediation service, or you can speak to a solicitor.
Flooding caused by building and construction issues
When a building doesn't have gutters or downpipes yet, builders must set up temporary protections to prevent water from flooding nearby properties. If they don't do this and flooding happens, you might need to take legal action.
If construction-related flooding affects your property, start by looking at the construction site sign for the builder's contact information and reach out to them.
If you don't get a response, contact the building surveyor who approved their work.
If you're still having trouble finding this information, please call us on 03 8470 8888.
Flooding caused by rainwater tank issues
If flooding is happening because your neighbour didn't connect their new rainwater tank to the underground stormwater system, who to contact depends on whether their house is new or already existing:
- New Houses: Call us on 03 8470 8888 to find out who built the house.
- Existing Houses: First, try to work things out with your neighbour. If you can't agree on a solution, you can reach out to us at 03 8470 8888 for help without going to court, or you can take legal action.
Remember, liability arising out of the flow of water is an offence under the Water Act Section 16.
If you notice a blocked drain or a broken pit lid, report this as soon as possible so we can fix it.
Report blocked stormwater drain
Sometimes trees are damaged during severe storms, causing them or their branches to fall down blocking roads, footpaths or other areas. Fallen trees can be an inconvenience blocking thoroughfares or worse, a danger to public safety.
Report a fallen tree or branch
If a tree has fallen or a branch fallen from a tree on public land such as a nature strip or in a park, please report this to us.
Report a fallen tree or branch
If you come across an overhead cable that is low hanging or down and causing a risk it could be the responsibility of any number of suppliers such as electrical or telecommunications companies. Darebin City Council do not manage or maintain any of these cables and is unable to attend the location.
It is recommended that you contact your power company. They will attend the location, make the areas safe, identify and notify the responsible authority for repairs.
Community Development
Phone: 03 8470 8269
Email: Community.Wellbeing@darebin.vic.gov.au
Customer Service
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au
If you need to report an issue to us after hours (between 5pm-8.30am and on weekends) call our after hours number: 03 8470 8889