The Territory Labor Government has completed the $10 million construction of a stormwater detention basin and associated drainage, which will reduce the risk and impact of flood events in Rapid Creek.

Local company Sitzler was awarded the tender, which has seen a stormwater detention basin completed on the corner of McMillans Road and Henry Wrigley Drive in Marrara.

The project during the construction phase created more than 280 local jobs, including 8 apprentices and 40 aboriginal employees.

Flooding can occur in the Rapid Creek catchment when heavy rain combined with high tides causes floodwater to back up into the creek and flood low-lying properties.

The detention basin has been designed to temporarily detain stormwater flows from Anula, Moil and parts of Marrara.

Combined with other flood mitigation measures, the new detention basin will significantly reduce the impact of flooding on downstream properties.

The Northern Territory Government and Sitzler has worked closely with the NTEPA to ensure there was minimal impact to the environment.

Native vegetation around the site have been retained as much as possible and the margins of the creek including the riparian areas remain un-impacted by the works.

The basin along with the associated drainage were flood mitigation measures recommended by the Darwin Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“Creating jobs is this Government’s number one priority and this project saw more than 280 jobs created in the construction industry.

“Significantly this new stormwater detention basin, along with other mitigation measures, will ensure that the impact of flooding on the community is significantly reduced to better protect Territorians and their properties.

“This project has supported more than 280 local jobs in the construction industry and as a Government, we will continue to support and guide future development – improving services, creating jobs and attracting people to the Territory.

Quotes from the Member for Sanderson, Kate Worden:

“Our community needed the stormwater detention basin to ensure our properties had more protection – this is a great win for Sanderson and many other communities.

“The open green space improves the amenity and visibility of the area and unlocks the potential future use for the space for the community.”

Quotes from Sitzler Director Michael Sitzler:

“Sitzler had to overcome some very significant challenges on the Rapid Creek site to reach completion.”

“Success of the project was built on a strong working relationship with the NT Government and ongoing cooperation from all stakeholders”   

“We did this with 100% Northern Territory suppliers and subcontractors. This not only meant something for us, it also meant something to everyone involved.”