Yarra Ranges Council has released the results of their storm and pandemic survey conducted after the June 9 storm event.
Conducted during September and October 2021, the Pandemic and Storm impact Survey was completed by 769 people.
The survey found that 22 per cent of the community did not feel socially connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, and 21 per cent said the pandemic has had a major impact on their mental health.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the survey results would help guide recovery funds to the most needed areas.
“The survey results show the importance of maintaining strong community connections, with Council continuing to work in partnership with a range of agencies on initiatives to keep connected with those who may be feeling isolated or lonely at this time or experiencing financial hardship” Mayor Child said.
“Although the most important priorities at this time are varied, the majority of responses focused on the need to protect community safety and to ensure that there is more support for communities before, during and after such events, whether that be storms or a pandemic.”
27 per cent of respondents said their financial situation was worse now compared to before the pandemic.
The survey results found the June storms had a wide impact on people in the Yarra Valley with 88 per cent of respondents reporting being impacted by them.
“Not only does this data help us direct our recovery funds to the most needed areas, but it will also direct us in terms of advocacy to the higher tiers of government, depending on where the community’s needs lie most,” Mayor Child said.
“Council thanks all residents and community groups that took the time to complete the survey and looks forward to working together as we recover from the impacts of the storm and pandemic together.”
52 per cent of respondents were affected by power outages, 53 per cent by internet outages and 57 per cent with mobile connectivity outages.
38 per cent of people were also still affected by fallen trees and branches on the road seven days after the 9 June storm.
11 per cent of people reported experiencing financial hardship as a result of the storm with another 35 per cent experiencing mental health trauma.
