Driving me mad

By Tania Martin
A MONBULK man is calling for VicRoads to pay for damage to his driveway, following a recent flash flood.
But Ray Wilson, 72, said the road authority told him it was an ‘act of God’ and they would not pay up.
“VicRoads won’t acknowledge damage caused by acts of God,” he said.
The flash flood happened shortly after 4pm on Sunday 31 January following a downpour.
Mr Wilson said the drain in front of his driveway on Monbulk Road had been full of debris which caused it to overflow.
He said the drain had been an issue for years and questioned why VicRoads wouldn’t install kerb and channelling on the road.
“Although we are in a semi-rural area that is still no excuse to still have an open drain in this day and age,” he said.
Mr Wilson said it would cost more than $1000 but VicRoads had denied liability and it was not covered by insurance.
“We will need to get machinery in to level off the driveway again and it will cost $400 to $500 for the gravel,” he said.
Mr Wilson is riddled with arthritis and said it was impossible for him to get out and do the work himself.
“We have asked for restitution but I doubt they will pay,” he said.
However, VicRoads metropolitan south east regional director, Duncan Elliott said although the road authority maintained the drains, it was the residents’ responsibility to make sure the stormwater drains under their driveways were clear of debris.
He said the flood was caused by a build-up of debris in the roadside culvert under the entrance of the resident’s driveway.
Mr Elliott said the current road configuration was suitable to its environment and there were no plans to undertake improvements on the road.
VicRoads has advised anyone wishing to claim for damages to lodge a notice of incident form which will be assessed on a case by case basis.
However an excess cost applies to all claims made.
Monbulk MP James Merlino said he was aware of the issue and would be contacting Mr Wilson to discuss the matter further.