Safeguarding Drysdale’s drainage

DRYSDALE is set for a drainage upgrade this summer, with part of High Street to be closed during these essential works.

The closure will commence late January and is anticipated to cause some disruption to the community until around Easter.

During this time, part of High Street near De Burgh Road will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Detours will be in place via De Burgh Road, Princess Street, and Eversley Street.

While this may cause a disruption to residents frequenting the area, it’s short-term work that will ultimately benefit Drysdale for years to come.

The long-term benefits of improved drainage and reduced flood risk will be significant for the community.

In 2020 the City of Greater Geelong sought community feedback on the Clifton Springs and Drysdale Flood Study.

We asked the residents of Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Drysdale and the Bellarine to help us better understand the flood risks and stormwater management opportunities in the region.

More than 60 per cent of participants highlighted drainage upgrades as the top priority.

Following the public engagement, the City collated data based on past flooding to create the Clifton Springs & Drysdale Flood Study Map.

This map shows the significant areas within Drysdale that are considered at risk of impact in the event of flooding.

You can view the map and enter your address to see whether you would be potentially impacted here: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CSDFS/clifton-springs-drysdale-flood-study-final-map

Wild weather can be incredibly unpredictable; however, we are doing everything we can to put measures in place to minimise potential damage to our region’s homes and businesses.

That’s why this drainage work is crucial to our Drysdale community – it offers both better protection and peace of mind.

We understand road works and detours are disruptive, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while these works are carried out.

Elsewhere in the community, the City is helping deliver exciting upgrades to sports infrastructure, supporting future athletes in Drysdale and surrounds.

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the sod turn for stage 2 of the Drysdale Sports Precinct works.

The $14.5 million project at Belchers Road has been six years in the making and, once complete, it will deliver a new multi-use pavilion, a soccer pitch with LED lighting and players’ shelters, plus extensive landscaping.

The City contributed $6 million to the project with co-funding of $5 million from the Victorian Government, and $3.5 million from the Australian Government.

Construction for stage 2 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre also commenced late last year.

This project has been shaped by local voices and is made possible through funding from the Australian and Victorian Governments, who have each committed $20 million to the project. The City is contributing up to $3 million.

Once complete, the new facilities will include a 25-metre pool, a warm water pool, gym, café, and accessible ramps and change rooms.

Whether we are digging underground to improve drainage or building upward to create new sporting hubs, the goal remains the same: ensuring Drysdale is a safe and vibrant place to live.

While the High Street detours may make the trip to the shops a little less straightforward this summer, these upgrades are vital for helping protect our region against extreme weather.

I look forward to seeing these critical improvements come to fruition in 2026 – offering peace of mind, come rain, hail, or shine.