Chapel Street, Lilydale - Drainage Upgrades

Project typeDrainage
Project value$1,000,000
Project scheduleConstruction
Contractor nameTDM Earthworks
Completion Date30 September 2026

We are upgrading the drainage along Chapel Street, Lilydale (between Clarke Street and the gravel carpark) to reduce flooding impacts on nearby properties during regular storm events.

Flooding in this area is caused by ponding at a low point in the road near 26 Chapel Street. The aim of the project is to reconstruct Chapel Street to provide a clear overland flow path that directs stormwater safely towards Olinda Creek, reducing the risk of water entering private property.

Flood modelling has been undertaken for a 20% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) storm event (formerly a 1 in 5 year storm). This represents a rainfall event with a 20 per cent chance of occurring in any given year and reflects storms that regularly cause flooding in this location.

Project stages

Stage 1 – Chapel Street reconstruction

Reconstruction and regrading of Chapel Street between Clarke Street and the gravel carpark to provide continuous fall towards the creek.
Increased stormwater capacity within the road through construction of kerb and channel along the northern side and a central invert with associated drainage. For an example of similar works, refer to Lusher Road, Croydon (Mt Dandenong Road to Birdwood Road).
Removal of table drains outside 26 and 28 Chapel Street, with raising of nature strips and vehicle crossings.
Construction of new drainage outfall for 41 Clarke Street, 26 and 28 Chapel Street.
Realignment of existing 1200mm diameter pipe.
Reconstruction of footpath and vehicle crossings outside 41 & 43 Clarke Street.
Sealing of the existing gravel carpark to formalise stormwater flow paths.

Stage 2 – Melba Park

Construction of bunding at two locations within Melba Park to prevent stormwater flowing back onto Chapel Street.
Construction of a swale to redirect flows towards the former gravel carpark and onwards to the creek.

Construction timeline

Construction works will commence on Monday 6 July 2026 and should take approximately 12 weeks to complete, subject to favourable conditions.

Council is committed to keeping impacts to a minimum, however short-term disruptions may occur. Construction will take place weekdays between 7:30am and 4:30pm.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete these improvements.