Farnsworth and Forrest Street Drainage Upgrade

The project is located at the intersection of Farnsworth Street and Forest Street in Castlemaine, extending along parts of:

• Farnsworth Street
• View Street
• Forest Street

This area forms a key stormwater catchment where underground drainage transitions to an overland flow path. Improving this connection will help reduce flooding impacts on nearby roads, properties and public spaces.

To deliver the project within Council's adopted budget for this financial year, the drainage improvement works have been divided into two stages. Council expects the Stage 1 works to alleviate the majority of the drainage issues at this location. Stage 2 will be deferred and considered for delivery in the future, if drainage problems continue, subject to budget availability. 

The area of work is shown in the image below.

Figure 1 - Staging of works 

The drainage upgrade at the intersection of Farnsworth Street and Forest Street has been designed to address the specific hydraulic, environmental and physical constraints of this catchment. Key design considerations include:

• Stormwater capacity and flow behaviour — the 2022 flash‑flooding events highlighted that the existing underground system cannot convey peak flows. The new design increases pipe capacity and improves flow efficiency to reduce surcharge and overland flooding.
• Integration with the existing overland flow path — the catchment naturally directs water toward View Street and Forest Street. The design ensures the upgraded underground system works in tandem with this overland path rather than against it.
• Pipe sizing and alignment —pipes have been selected and sized to meet current and future hydraulic demands, while fitting within the constrained road reserve and avoiding existing services.
• Drainage pit placement and inlet efficiency — pit locations and grate types have been chosen to maximise capture of surface water, reduce bypass flows and improve safety for road users.
• Existing service conflicts — the design accounts for water, sewer, gas, electricity and telecommunications assets, adjusting pipe alignments and depths to avoid clashes and maintain safe clearances.
• Kerb and channel redesign — new kerb profiles and laybacks are designed to improve surface drainage, direct runoff to pits and ensure driveway tie‑ins meet accessibility and safety requirements.
• Environmental protection and vegetation impacts — tree‑root zones, vegetation removal and reinstatement requirements have been incorporated into the design to minimise environmental disturbance.

These design considerations ensure the upgraded drainage system will perform reliably during major rainfall events, reduce localised flooding and improve the resilience of the surrounding road network.

The project has progressed through several key stages:

• Drainage and kerb design is complete, including detailed construction drawings.
• Site investigations have been undertaken to confirm existing conditions and service locations.
• Construction documentation—including technical specifications, tender requirements and environmental controls—has been finalised.
• Contractor engagement is in progress for Stage 1 with works to be delivered in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.

Once construction begins, the contractor will establish the site, implement traffic management, notify nearby residents and commence staged excavation and installation works.

The exact dates will depend on contractor scheduling, weather conditions and permit approvals, but the project is expected to be delivered within this financial year.