Victoria Police closed Beach Street to traffic for five hours while Port Phillip Council pumped water away.

Port Phillip mayor Rachel Powning said the council had sandbagged nearby residential properties, which were not damaged.

‘‘At the Pier Street intersection, the current underground drainage system under the control of Major Projects Victoria ends under Pier Street, where it relies on water percolating into the sandy soil. This is not adequate,’’ Cr Powning said.

‘‘An outfall drain is proposed, and Major Projects Victoria have engaged a consultant to produce an outfall design which is currently near completion. Construction is proposed to commence in May 2011.’’

Cr Powning said an improved drainage outfall should prevent flooding in the future.

Major Projects Victoria spokesman Jeremy Gronow said the department was working with the council and Beacon Cove developer Mirvac to fix the drainage problem as soon as possible, and a tender for work would soon be issued.

Minor flooding also occurred in Marine Parade in Elwood last week. The water quickly subsided following swift action by council crews.

Cr Powning said Port Phillip Council was modelling its stormwater system with Melbourne Water to get a better understanding of the implications of climate change and sea level rise. Information gained will allow the council to review the capacity of stormwater systems and assess what work might be needed to adapt to future change.