By Tyler Wright
The clean-up process is ongoing for some flood-affected residents in the Dandenong Ranges, including Tecoma resident Mardi Taylor, whose property is still without heating and a usable downstairs area after water seeped into the carpet after heavy rain on Tuesday 25 October.
Ms Taylor recently moved back home with her son after living in temporary accommodation, but said that has brought its own financial costs.
“Having to buy things because you’re not at home… it’s just finding that extra money, and then thinking that potentially you’re going to have to pay an extra $140 on top of your normal electricity bill,” Ms Taylor said.
“You can’t get accommodation close to home…I’ve got to drive my son back up, was driving him back up to to school, and then back to work.”
“You end up out of pocket for things… my gumboots washed away and my work boots, so I had to go and buy them to replace them so that I could actually clean up outside…you’ve got to pay for all that stuff yourself before you’re reimbursed.”
Ms Taylor said rubbish including asbestos, car tyres, broken glass and batteries have been washed into her property from neighbouring properties, and has contacted Yarra Ranges Council to establish who is responsible for the clean up.
“I’m living in a house that’s got that horrible concrete smell; things are broken…the whole yard is covered in mud…the paths are broken, no heating,” she said.
“I’m really lucky to have a home back.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Environment and Infrastructure Bill Millard said the council is “aware of the impact of the recent flooding events in the Yarra Ranges and are working through a range of jobs with Council Officers working around the clock to rectify these issues”.
Mr Millard said the council understands a request has been made, and “will contact the resident to investigate the issue of rubbish being pushed into the property and adjoining creek”.
“While Council sympathises with this resident, we also acknowledge that a watercourse/creek exists and runs through this property and that a combination of heavy rain and the natural topography of the land can result in a faster flow and flooding,” Mr Millard said.
“Due to the nature and size of the recent flash flooding events we have experienced, it is difficult to understand what, if any, work can be done to reduce the water levels and waste problem at this site during times of heavy rainfall.”
The Yarra Ranges municipality is experiencing wetter than normal conditions Mr Millard said, which is causing further issues for council and property owners’ assets.
“The past few weeks has seen significant flood events occurring across many townships, and to help with the post-flood clean-up we are working closely with the State Government to deliver a targeted flood waste service to five of the most heavily impacted townships – Upwey, Tecoma, Seville, Yarra Junction and Lilydale.
“This service is available to residents in Tecoma, and I urge people not only in Tecoma, but the other affected townships to register and utilise this service.”
Locals can register by visiting: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Latest-news/Flash-and-riverine-flooding-October-2022/Free-waste-collection-for-flood-impacted-suburbs
Mr Millard said there is also volunteer agencies available who may be able to assist property owners with their clean-up and he encourages anyone who has been affected by the floods and is unsure of where to go or who to contact to give Yarra Ranges Council a call on 1300 787 624 and the council can point you in the right direction.
A representative from RACV; the insurance company handling Ms Taylor’s claim, said RACV last spoke to Ms Taylor on Wednesday 16 November.
“Ms Taylor lodged a claim with RACV for flood damage on 25 October 2022. RACV’s claims assessors and make safe team have attended the property and are working to assess and repair the damage to Ms Taylor’s home,” RACV Head of Home & Business Insurance Kirsty Hayes said.
“Ms Taylor has been offered temporary accommodation while the damage to the property is being assessed,” Ms Hayes said.
“RACV is committed to the timely resolution of this claim.
“We urge Members with queries about their RACV Insurance to contact us directly.”
