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Redcliffe homes hit by sewage backflows and rising costs are now set to benefit from a five-point flood plan aimed at lasting relief.
Ongoing Flood Risk
The April 2025 storm dumped more than 80 millimetres of rain in just an hour, swamping Grant and Shields Streets. Instead of draining to the ocean, water surged back through pipes, filling homes with sewage and waste. Families said insurance bills have soared, while some properties can no longer be covered.
Resident Lucy Salerno told Council that runoff from the showgrounds and high school pushes into drains too narrow to cope. She said the result is damage to homes and contamination of sewerage lines.
Council’s Five-Point Plan
Councillors have backed a plan to ease Redcliffe’s flood risk after years of resident complaints. It includes tougher inspections, new storm water pits, and trials of temporary barriers in high-risk spots. A major drainage study will map long-term fixes, while Council pushes for a buyback scheme to help the worst-hit owners.
CEO Scott Waters said ageing pipes from the 1960s and 1980s can no longer handle today’s conditions. He warned heavier rainfall is now common, making resilience a pressing priority.
Councillor’s Community Push
Councillor Karl Winchester said Redcliffe residents have been battered by three major floods in ten years, leaving many worn down. He said water rushing from the catchment overwhelms the area’s narrow drains, causing repeat damage.
Winchester backed a buyback scheme as one of the only real options for unit owners facing constant losses. He has been letterboxing residents with updates and pledged to press for firm timelines. He added that community voices have been crucial in pushing Council to act.
Long History of Studies
The flooding in Grant and Shields Streets is not new. Multiple studies have been commissioned since 2000, with the latest review set to reassess the area’s drainage needs. Council officers told the meeting it was a complex situation requiring a mix of strategies rather than a single fix.
Residents remain hopeful the latest plan will bring lasting improvements, with Council now committed to finding both short-term relief and long-term resilience.
Published 11-September-2025
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