Deal with rain with kerbs and gutters

I agree with Debra Wales' sentiment (Peninsula News, September 17) that there is slow progress on road upgrades on the Peninsula, but disagree with Margaret Lund's opinion (Peninsula News, October 2) that there is no need for kerb and guttering due to high tides and heavy rain.

Rooves of buildings collect water which, in turn, flows into onsite tanks, overflows into kerbs and gutters, open channels, creeks, lagoons, wetlands and Brisbane Water.

Increasing the catchment area for rainfall tops up these features with an increased regularity.

The bed of these features is closer to the water table, therefore offers a quicker replenishment than rain on the lawn; residents use tanks and bores for garden watering, enjoying their dollar savings.

I'm no fan of "pooling" in streets when it rains nor do I enjoy tripping or falling due to uneven footpaths or road surfaces.

My preference is to increase the catchment area, create "rolled" kerbs and gutters, improve the roads and increase water savings.

Some streets on the Peninsula already have underground pipes and pits to the natural surface level.

It's the kerbs and guttering which is missing, along with the funding.

Deal with flooding when and if it happens.

Email, 10 Oct 2012

Des Mitchell, St Huberts Island