A tender has been awarded for improvements to the Kirkham Road swales and stormwater management system, with construction scheduled to commence in July/August (weather permitting).

This work will include:

• Re-shaping improvement of the Kirkham Road swales, including installation of driveway crossover pipes.
• Installing stormwater pipework from the Kirkham Road swale through to a new stormwater outlet into Bull Creek, near house #19 Kirkham Road.

During this work, there will be some minor impacts to Kirkham Road users, however this will be managed safely and with consideration to local residents and motorists.

Further communications will be issued closer to the start dates.

Engineering design progress and next steps

The levee bank and associated high-level overflow channels along with environmental and cultural reviews for this proposed infrastructure are also currently underway.

Structural design work is underway for the James Bridge (Kirkham Road). This work will ensure the bridge can safely handle higher stormwater flows during heavy rain events caused by the proposed reengineered levee banks. Based on feedback from residents, we are also looking at whether raising the bridge could remove the need to raise a portion of Kirkham Road over the levee. This option would move the planned levee closer to the Bull Creek bridge and reduce the impact of the levee banks on adjoining land.

Once these designs are finalised, all affected property owners will be further consulted regarding the detailed location of proposed works on their properties before this project element progresses.

We are also working with Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) to finalise the kerbing and swale improvements along Bull Creek Road, from Kirkham Road though to the Community Hall area, which will provide improved stormwater management during low- moderate rainfall events.

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Next steps

The final stage of this project will involve the design and construction of underground stormwater infrastructure under Bull Creek Road to evacuate water from the southeastern catchment that is impacting the road and residents.

Alexandrina Council remains committed to delivering a long-term solution to the ongoing stormwater challenges in Ashbourne and as such is proposing to carry funding forward into the 2026/27 financial year. Please refer to the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026/27, which is currently being consulted on.

As previously communicated, we are progressing through the complex planning and detailed design stages to ensure the right infrastructure is delivered for the benefit of the community.