Mira Mar slope slip blamed on heavy rainfall in area ‘prone to ground movement’

A wet winter that saturated soils in an area “prone to ground movement” is believed to have caused part of a street in Mira Mar to crumble, forcing the evacuation of homes, according to the Water Corporation. It is understood residents of at least three properties on a road in Mira Mar have been advised to leave their homes as the road damage worsens. A section of the road has been closed to non-local traffic. In response to a report by the Advertiser last month, readers suggested a burst water main had caused the damage. Water Corporation Great Southern regional manager Adrian Stewart confirmed Water Corporation had responded to a burst water main on the street on July 30, but it was repaired the same morning. “We understand this location and the surrounding area has a history of some ground movement,” he said. “Significant ground movement is known to cause pipeline ruptures and, while investigations are continuing, our initial observations indicate that the damage to the water main was caused by the recent significant ground movement. “To reduce the risk of further damage to the water main through ground movement, it has been temporarily disconnected in the affected area and an alternative temporary supply installed.” Mr Stewart said he was aware some properties on the street had been affected by “recent significant ground movement”. “We have been advised that prior investigations, and a report previously commissioned by the City of Albany, show that (the road) is prone to ground movement,” he said. “We understand several measures have been previously implemented by the City to address this. “While investigations are continuing, our initial observations are that significantly higher than average rainfall over the past few months — including the extreme Albany storm event in late June 2021 — has saturated the soils in the area, which appears to have contributed to the significant ground movement and slippage of the slope.” Mr Stewart said the Water Corporation would continue to engage with residents and the City of Albany. A City spokeswoman said the City would continue to liaise with landholders to investigate the cause of the damage. “The City will update affected landholders as investigations proceed and when further information comes to hand,” the spokeswoman said.