By Peter Douglas
YARRA Ranges Shire has confirmed 28 properties as being ‘destroyed’ as a result of the 9 October windstorm event.
In total, 132 properties were reported to council as being damaged and now all have been inspected, with details showing most of the destroyed properties were in the Selby area.
In what has been described as one of the worst natural disaster events to hit the region since Black Saturday, the shire is still busy both managing and developing a response.
Council said they’re still receiving an average of 25 calls per day, most relating to trees or social and financial support.
Yarra Ranges Shire Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Patterson, said there was still a big job ahead.
“We are mindful of the size of the task at hand, and the need to clear fallen trees and tree debris quickly to ensure we are adequately prepared for the upcoming fire danger period,” Mr Patterson said.
“We are also aware of a number of residents who have already begun clean-up activities on their own properties, which is great to see.”
Mr Patterson said the shire’s planning team was preparing to fast-track a large volume of permit applications, as a result of residents looking to rebuild.
Meanwhile, compiled statistics are beginning to show just how severe the impact on the region has been.
The majority of council’s 58 fire access roads have suffered significant damage from fallen trees, blocking access and increasing fuel loads.
The Fire Management Team is working around the clock to make the roads accessible and reduce fuel loads in the lead-up to the fire season.
At this stage, the shire anticipates the trees clean-up will extend through until Christmas.
Strong winds and high rainfall throughout the month of October have also had a significant impact on council’s roads, drains and pits
Council has received 126 drainage requests, dating back to the start of October, just before the wind event.
In the wake of the devastation, Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, James Merlino, on Sunday, 16 October, announced the activation of additional disaster assistance for Victorians affected by storms in the Yarra Ranges Council area.
Anyone who has been affected by storms and is suffering personal hardship and distress should call the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232.
Information about assistance can also be found on the Vic Emergency website at www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief or on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www. disasterasist.gov.au.
Also, a series of ‘frequently asked questions’ has been developed and is available on Yarra Ranges Council’s website www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au, as well as in print through the Shire’s Community Links.
Snapshot of storm damage
Reports of homes damaged: 132
Reports of homes destroyed: 28
Building inspections: 132
Tree requests: More than 900
Drainage requests: 126
Road requests: 114
Footpath maintenance requests: 27
Financial assistance grants allocated: 32
Calls for personal/financial assistance: over 300
