THE City of Swan has received comments from a parliamentarian seeking clarification on what steps were being taken by the city or state government to address flooding and drainage issues in Henley Brook and West Swan.

MLC Anthony Spagnolo wrote to the City of Swan on October 27, calling for transparency and coordination between the city, state government, and relevant planning authorities.

“It’s disappointing that local residents have been left with so little information from the (state government) about what is being done to address flooding of private properties in the Swan Valley,” Mr Spagnolo said.

“People deserve clear communication and confidence that action is being taken.”

Mr Spagnolo said his office had met with landowners and developers affected by the ongoing flooding, particularly in Henley Brook and West Swan, and urged the city to act under its existing powers to restore drainage capacity.

“It has been outlined to me that there are several actions the City of Swan could take to help address this situation,” he said.

“The city could act under its existing easement powers to access adjoining properties to clear and maintain drains, ensuring that water flow is restored and managed effectively.

“If the city lacks the resources to undertake this work, it would be appropriate for the matter to be raised with the State Government to explore potential assistance options.

“I have been advised that the problem stems largely from downstream drainage failure.

“These systems require cleaning and restoration to improve water movement and alleviate flooding.”

Mr Spagnolo said allowing the movement of water to alleviate flooding should be investigated as a priority and that subsoil drainage infrastructure was another investment to better protect against rising groundwater and flooding.

However, Swan Communities Environmental Alliance vice chair Jan Zeck said the arrangement meant much of the ongoing flooding remained outside the city’s control.

“The nature of this process means much of the issue is irreparable by the city without external action,” Ms Zeck said.

Echo News understands the City of Swan is responsible for drainage installation and maintenance within its boundaries but must operate with approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).

Developments approved by the WAPC are implemented with limited decision-making power available to the local government without WAPC involvement.

Echo News asked Mr Spagnolo what concerns residents had raised, what the city could realistically do, and what his background in development suggested about the causes of the problem.

Mr Spagnolo said he heard from property owners facing repeated flooding and waterlogging, and the current situation reflected a lack of coordination.

“I’ve written to the City of Swan to seek clarity on what steps are being coordinated between the council and the state government,” he said.

Echo News put a series of questions to the City of Swan asking for clarification on what measures were being investigated to ease drainage issues, whether state government assistance had been sought, and what obstacles presented difficulties in addressing the issues.

“The city is aware of the concerns raised by some residents in these areas,” City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said.

“The city is investigating the cause and potential solutions to the issue.”

Echo News also contacted Planning Minister John Carey, whose office referred queries to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).

DWER provides technical advice to the City of Swan on water management but does not hold direct responsibility for infrastructure delivery.