Wollongong City Council has vowed to review its stormwater drainage system, as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian demands action in the wake of Ryan Teasdale’s death.
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Ryan died after he was swept into an open drain while using a boogie board to slide down the slippery slopes of Riley Park, at Unanderra, on March 16.
The 11-year-old’s body was found the next day, in a creek bed about 500 metres away.
Ms Berejiklian has since urged councils across the state to look closely at stormwater drain openings.
“I strongly recommend that all councils urgently inspect access points to drains to ensure this can’t happen again,” the Premier said.
“I commend every effort to raise awareness and action on this important issue.”
Wollongong City Council’s stormwater system spans 730 kilometres.
“Not all of the stormwater pipes are grated as in some cases grates can increase the risk of blockage and further increase nearby flooding in a rain event,” a council spokeswoman said.
The council was investigating a new inlet structure at Riley Park, she said, to replace the existing one which dates back to the 1950s.
A temporary grate has been installed following the tragedy, with plans to plant a tree in Ryan’s honour.
“We are also reviewing other parks with similar drains around the city to determine any necessary actions, which may or may not involve installing grates,” she said.
The council has written to Ms Berejiklian and asked the NSW government to consider adopting a set of guidelines to assist agencies, including local government, to manage public safety of new and old stormwater inlet infrastructure.
“There are no national or NSW based guidelines for safety and risk management of stormwater inlet systems and grates or other means to block access,” the spokeswoman said.
Ms Berejiklian said the NSW government would “consider all recommendations from the Coroner and act accordingly”. The Premier said she was saddened to hear of Ryan’s “tragic death”.
The Lindsay Park Public School student was remembered as a cheeky, happy boy during his funeral on Friday.
Anyone who was at Riley Park on March 16 should contact Lake Illawarra detectives on 4232 5373.