If you live in a flood risk area find out how to get help during a flood, and what happens in a flood. You can also learn how we keep our community safe in floods, and how you can help your community prevent floods.
Some areas in the City of Mitcham are prone to flooding
In our city, areas around Brown Hill and Minno Creeks are at risk of being flooded. Need assistance during a flood? Call the State Emergency Service on 132 500 (24 hours).
Where flooding areas are
Brown Hill Creek starts near Eagle on the Hill and Crafers, and flows west towards the Patawalonga before going out to sea.
Minno Creek starts in Belair National Park and flows south to Sturt River in Coromandel Valley.
What happens when it floods
When it rains heavily, runoff from rural lands adds to the flood water levels in Brown Hill and Minno Creeks. The water flows into the urban area and floods the creeks’ capacity.
Debris blocking creeks and drains increases flood risks. Water in the flooded creeks can flow as fast as 6m per second, and can get to 2.5m deep.
Even if you haven't seen floodwaters at your property before, it could flood if it’s near a waterway or is low-lying.
To keep drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safe, we or the SES will close the fords at Winns Road in Coromandel Valley when Minno Creek overflows and Muggs Hill at Torrens Park.
How to prevent flooding
Keep your family safe by following some simple steps to prevent, plan and prepare for floods.
What are your responsibilities for the waterway on your property?
If you are fortunate enough to have a wetland, creek or river running through your property, it’s your responsibility to help look after it. Property owners have legislative responsibilities to maintain waterways under the Landscape SA Act 2019.
Download a copy of Looking after waterways
Keep creeks clear of debris
A lot of creeks in Mitcham are privately owned. If you own a section of a creek, keep it free from debris to keep your property from being flooded. Don’t go into a creek when it’s flooding. If you see branches, leaves or trees blocking a public section of a creek (in reserves and parks), let us know to remove it.
Keep drains free of debris
If you see debris blocking a street drain, please call us so we can remove it.
Sweep up fallen street tree leaves
We want you to be involved in our street sweeping program by sweeping fallen leaves and calling us to collect them.
Set up a community working bee
Get in touch with your neighbours to organise a working bee to clear creeks, drains and leaves together, and learn how your neighbourhood is affected by flooding.
Stock up on sandbags
Sandbags don’t completely stop water, but they reduce the amount of water coming into your home.
We can supply you with empty sandbags to fill with sand or soil. Give us a call on 8372 8888.
- Keep the sand bags empty and dry until you need to use them
- Replace sandbags regularly (hessian can quickly rot)
Visit SES for more information
Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project
The Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project is a collaborative undertaking between the Cities of Mitcham, Adelaide, Burnside, Unley and West Torrens to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Plan to mitigate serious flood risks and help safeguard properties across Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks.