Burchills were engaged by City of Gold Coast to support the implementation of the stormwater drainage network capital works program within the Surfers Paradise catchment. Burchills was responsible for the Forward Planning phase of the program, where design options assessment and cost benefit analysis were completed for a number of problem areas within the catchment.

A number of design solutions were tabled for each problem area and investigated using 1D/2D TUFLOW modelling. The improvement to habitable floor flooding from each design was established to determine cost benefit. Constructability of the proposed infrastructure works was a key parameter to be considered in the proposed upgrade options, as well as rationalisation of the network, removal of infrastructure that traverses private property, and improved overland flow conveyance where possible. The work also required concept design and detail, to ensure that the proposed upgrade options were clear of other service/infrastructure clashes. After completion of the Forward Planning phase, the designs proposed with the highest cost benefit ratio moved into the Detailed Design and Construction phase.