Collie woman prevents flooding

Several Atkinson Street residents' homes had been flooded numerous times over the last few years during the rainy months in winter.

The flooding followed the water level in a neighbouring creek rising dramatically following heavy rains which were unable to flow through a natural drainage area.

This was because a wall built by one neighbour to protect his home from the flooding was blocking the natural flow of the water.

Mrs Grigsby lives with her elderly mother Joan Stallard, who is terminally ill, in one of the units

Mrs Stallard, who was living alone last year, had to be evacuated by SES personnel late at night when her unit became flooded.

"Mum stresses in these situations and last year she had to sit on the verandah until 3am in the middle of winter because of the flooding," Mrs Grigsby said.

Early last week Mrs Grigsby was alerted to the problem after she noticed the water level of the creek rising dramatically.

She realised unless quick action was taken, the homes of her mother and other residents of the housing estate would be flooded in the coming days.

Mrs Grigsby put a call through to council and was told they would look into the matter.

"I also phoned Homes West, which manages the apartments on behalf of the government, and told them about the situation.," she said. 

"Four hours later nothing had been done so I phoned Homes West again and was told that the person responsible for dealing with the issue was aware of the problem but they still wouldn't tell me if the problem was going to be fixed or when."

Angry and dissatisfied with the response from Homes West, Mrs Grigsby then contacted a local television station about the matter which in turn phoned Homes West and council and later did a televisiom report on it. 

Previously, the residents had been unable to get the problem fixed despite repeated calls from residents as both council and Homes West were putting the responsibility for dealing with the problem on the other according to Mrs Grigsby.

However, both Homes West and the council took swift action after being contacted and questioned by the media. 

"They came on Friday afternoon and dug a ditch and installed a temporary pump which prevented any flooding occurring over the weekend." Mrs Grigsby said.

"However, this is only a temporary solution and a long-term fix has to be found."

"But I'm glad to say that council and Homes West are now keeping us informed and updating us on how things are progressing."

Collie Council chief executive David Blurton said council intended to resolve the matter permanently when the weather improved.

"We plan to work with the private landowners to get pipes and subsoil drainage installed," he said.

"The creek flooding is not the problem as it is a historical part of Collie.

"The problem is that the government housing department shouldn't have been built where they are located.

"Normally before any building begins council approval is required but in this case the government went ahead with the construction without our input."