Middleton Storm Event Update - September 2023

We are pleased to provide a summary update following the Middleton storm event.

Reconstruction and repairs

Walking around Middleton the impacts of 12 November storm event can still be seen. We want to assure you works have commenced and are progressing, Council contractors have assured us the following works will be undertaken:

Ocean end works - Bridge from the footpath to the beach toilet block and shower is now open. The stairs are currently being designed and will be manufactured shortly.

This work on the foreshore has commenced, this entails:

Reconstruction of the rock wall along the frontage of the carpark, extending to in front of the shower
Infill with rubble on top of the wall where new paving/concrete construction is to occur
Replacement of the concrete edge strip to retain the paving, this will be extended to the shower area
Re-laying of the pavers
Placement of a new staircase that will extend over the new rock wall, this will allow for a continuous rock wall improving its resistance to water damage.

These works are funded by the Alexandrina Council Open Space Renewal Capital Program.

Mill Tce Bridge - the damaged bridge has been removed and the new bridge delivered in preparation for footing construction and installation. We have been advised by the contractor the bridge will be placed into position for access Friday, 29 September.

Please note we are endeavouring to provide the most accurate times and dates, without any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.

Creek bend erosion at Padman Tce - Council has received recent advice from the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board in relation to erosion of the watercourse impacting properties on Padman Terrace. The Board has confirmed that this part of Middleton Creek is located within Council reserve and therefore Council has been advised it has a responsibility to protect and maintain that part of the watercourse, and where necessary Council will undertake works to reduce the impact on adjoining residential properties.

Next steps - Council will work on an effective control measures to protect the bank and prevent further erosion. Engineering advice is being sort to determine the next steps and action to be taken, which will likely require budget consideration in the upcoming financial year 2024/25.

Alexandrina Council commissioned Hydrologist Report

A Council decision to set aside up to $45,000 to commission an Hydrologist Report. Work to date includes the following:

Council undertook procurement steps to engage specialist to undertake and assessment and provide Council with recommendations.
The survey has now been undertaken and included the pickup of actual and reported flood depths at several locations and, picked up the floor levels of affected properties, as well as more detail of the main culverts and the creek.
The hydrological modelling (to predict peak flow rates) has been completed by Tonkin’s, but still needs to be reviewed by them internally prior to forwarding to Council.
They have also assessed the rainfall data to assess what the 2022 rainfall event was in terms of annual recurrence interval (AEP%).
The next steps will be for Tonkin’s to build the hydraulic flood model, once we have some flood model results, they will then assess potential flood mitigation options.
Council is still looking at late October to receive the final report.

In addition to the $45,000 allocated toward the Hydrologist Report Council has also allocated funds in the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan & Budget for:

$60,000 stormwater mitigation towards outcomes of the Hydrologist Report
$125,000 towards Breaker Court stormwater upgrade

The Draft Middleton Master Plan is currently out for community consultation

The Master Plan was prepared based on co-design workshops and MySay input from the community in October 2022 and outcomes from the 2021 Village Conversations.

The aim of the Master Plan was to develop an implementable plan with clearly defined and prioritised actions to ensure the desired future character can be achieved. The Plan was developed with a number of Objectives as follows:

Identifying any land needed to accommodate future needs of the growing population from a residential, recreation, open space, commercial and industrial perspective.
In identifying the above needs explore the social needs of a growing community and the associated services required.
Explore and identify any infrastructure needs particularly focussed on heavy vehicle routes and local traffic management within and around the town and any potential essential services upgrades.
The protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
Analyse the public realm to ensure that an agreed theme is identified and carried through any future development.
Ensure that the plan continues to build on established facilities and tourism elements.
Ensure that the plan acknowledges and incorporates actions and outcomes identified in other Council documents.

Alexandrina Council values and recognises the role of the community in shaping our future and welcomes your feedback on the Master Plan.

The upcoming Hydrologist Report and recommendations will be given due consideration if they influence the Middleton Master Plan. Hard copies and a visual display of the Draft Master Plan is available to view during office hours at the Goolwa Library (11 Cadell Street) throughout the duration of the consultation with hard copy surveys available. Community can also provide feedback at the Middleton Village Conversation on 26^th October, 3:30pm – 7:30pm. The draft plan can also be viewed and commented on by visiting the MySay page Draft Middleton Master Plan (http://mysay.alexandrina.sa.gov.au).

Middleton Pedestrian Crossings update

Council is currently in negotiations with (Department of Infrastructure and Transport) DIT in regard to the install of pedestrian crossings in the main street of Middleton. As this is a DIT road and DIT funded project, they will be responsible for the budget and sign off to enable this project to commence.

The Greater Adelaide Region Plan is out for community consultation

Advocating for a Middleton bypass – Kylie Weymouth (Manager of Strategic Planning) is ensuring every opportunity will be taken to advocate for the by-pass to be included in the Greater Adelaide Region Plan however, there is also an opportunity for the residents of Middleton to add their voice to this issue at a local Greater Adelaide Region Plan consultation session planned for Goolwa this month.

Information about the discussion paper can be found here: Greater Adelaide Regional Plan Discussion Paper | Alexandrina Council

Information on how to get involved: How to get involved | Regional Planning Program in person Greater Adelaide Discussion Paper - Community Information Session - Goolwa Tickets, Wed 27/09/2023 at 12:00 pm | Eventbrite search in this space for the online sessions if you are unable to attend in person.

Information about the session in Goolwa is on Council’s facebook page. We encourage you to share this on Middleton Community pages or with friends.

September is Preparedness Month

The 30days30waysaus social media campaign is promoting greater community resilience by communicating, educating, and engaging community members.

Why is it preparedness is important to consider?

With multiple factors for increased risks this year including, warmer and drier Spring and Summer forecast and abundant vegetation authorities are encouraging people and communities prepare and plan for adverse events.

What does prepared look like?

It is having Household Flood and Bushfire/Fire plans in place.

Emergencies may not be something we think about every day, but they happen. Alexandrina Council website has links to information and resources about emergency preparedness. Knowing what to do and being ready is your best protection. With a simple plan, be prepared and cope better if an emergency occurs.

We have hard copies of Protect What Matters Most booklets at the Goolwa Council offices. There is also an Easy English version of Protect What Matters available for download from the Red Cross website. A range of other REDiPlan resources are also available. See the Australian Red Cross website to download booklets, plans, children’s activity books and more in various formats.

Insurance and Legal Information Community Justice Services have ongoing legal services available that may be suitable for Middleton residents. Please contact the Southern Community Justice Centre Head Office at 40 Beach Road, Christies Beach on (08) 8384 5222.

Alexandrina Council is working diligently to resolve the issues that are within its scope to address, and we will continue to share updates with our community as soon as we can.

For questions relating to the Middleton Storm related queries please email alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Liaison Officers on 8555 7000 or visit us in person at the Goolwa Council Office, 11 Cadell Street, Goolwa.