By Parker McKenzie
One year ago on Thursday, 177 properties in the Yarra Ranges were damaged and 76 were made uninhabitable when thousands of trees fell across the region.
The damage bill for Yarra Ranges Council, more than $16 million, continues to grow as recovery continues throughout the area.
Mayor Jim Child said one year on was an appropriate time to reflect on the work of emergency responders and the community’s recovery.
“It was a crisis that tested us beyond belief but people in this region are resilient, and we know how to look after each other,” he said.
“Not only were we dealing with the storm and subsequent damage, but we were impacted by Covid lockdowns and restrictions, and then the added loss of power, telecommunications and no water.
“An absolute stand out for me looking back was how the community came together to support each other in their times of need and how they continue to work hard going forward, making sure that there are opportunities to connect and spend time together supporting each other.”
Yarra Ranges Council cleared more than 300 kilometres of roads and 645 drains and fixed two bridges and 175 defects on roads or footpaths in the aftermath of the storm.
Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said one year on from the storm represented a melancholy day of reflection for him personally.
“I still think it’s a wonderful privilege to live in the hills, for many of us it’s the best place in the world,” he said.
“But with that privilege comes consequences and risks. What happened last year, one of those risks came home to roost.”
Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham said Yarra Ranges Council learns from and evolves its practices with each significant disaster.
“We put new things in place and what I would say this time is, I genuinely feel that it’s a very community-led recovery,” he said.
“I just think that’s brilliant. Do I think that the recovery has been perfect? No, but that’s not through a lack of trying by council.”
Yarra Ranges Council also introduced Community Recovery teams and held support sessions and counselling for those affected by the storms.
Mr Fulligar said the community is still in the recovery process, which will be a long term challenge.
“Hopefully we’ve learned a lot and we’re keen to establish emergency plans for townships and communities,” he said.
“What do we do better next time to help each other and be in a better place? Things like communications and possibly a new SES unit in Olinda.”
Mr Eastham, whose ward includes part of Olinda and Monbulk, said he was pleased to see support for a new SES unit in the region from state politics.
“From an outsider’s perspective it looks as if there is that need for more resources and another facility out this way,” he said.
“When I saw that announcement I was quite pleased, a number of friends and also my own partner have been volunteers in the SES and I know how busy they are.”
State Government departments have allocated funds for recovery projects to Yarra Ranges Council and to prepare for future disasters.
Bushfire Recovery Victoria provided the council with $3.5 million to cover 12 of the staffing costs for the department that coordinates the recovery. Emergency Management Victoria has provided $7.7 million towards the initial emergency response and tree removal, and the Department of Justice and Community Safety provided $2 million for a curbside branch collection program.
Mayor Child said Yarra Ranges Council now has ten facilities with internet satellites and eight with generators for use during emergencies.
“We have received $10 million from the Federal Government from the Preparing Australian Communities fund and we have a wide variety of programs being planned and undertaken as part of this. More information on those programs can be found on our website,” he said.
“Responding in an emergency is as much about preparation and planning as it is about the actual response and clean-up itself.”
15,500 residents attended relief hubs set up by council in the month after the storm.
