Latrobe Council manages an extensive urban stormwater system within the Latrobe township and the Port Sorell /Shearwater/Hawley residential area. In urban environments stormwater systems have developed over time in response to community needs.
The Urban Drainage Act 2013 (the Act), defines stormwater: stormwater means run-off water that has been concentrated by means of a drain, surface channel, subsoil drain or formed surface.
Council's system comprises:
- Open waterways within, and that form part of, the urban stormwater system;
- Enclosed systems including pipes and box culverts;
- Pits for the capture and conveyance of stormwater;
- Ocean and stream outfalls;
- Detention systems; and
- Pollutions traps and other such screen devices.
Outside of the urban area, Councils role in stormwater management relates primarily to roadside drainage and providing a passage for natural stream and overland flows, where roads intercept natural drainage paths.
The current legislative framework for urban stormwater management is the Urban Drainage Act 2013. Under the Act, Council is a stormwater service provider and has responsibility for meeting its obligations under the Act. A specific requirement of the Act is for a Council to develop a Stormwater System Management Plan.