Storm clean-up effort continues
Published on 16 February 2024
Work to clean up the destruction caused by Tuesday’s severe storm event is continuing across the Shire.
High winds up to 130km/h were recorded during the storm, along with rain and temperatures of 38 degrees lashing the Shire. The storm damage was widespread with hundreds of fallen branches and power outages.
Residents needing support in their clean-up efforts can access vouchers for free green waste disposal at Council’s transfer stations. Vouchers are available by visiting our Customer Service team at 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough between 9am and 4pm on weekdays until Friday 23 February.
Council’s Recovery Officer is also available to residents who feel they may need further assistance.
Meanwhile, tree and debris clean-up is continuing. We ask the community to be patient as Council’s Operations team work through debris and tree removal to ensure roads, parks and gardens are clear for community safety.
It is expected the clean-up will take around four weeks to complete with Council calling on contractors to expediate the process.
Residents are reminded to please take care around trees and roads over the coming weeks as this work is carried out – overhanging branches may be a safety risk.
We ask for the community to be patient with our Customer Service team as they work through a backlog of work due to high number of calls for assistance on Tuesday afternoon.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Liesbeth Long said she was proud of the way the community had responded to the storm event.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to all Council staff involved in responding – from our Emergency staff, operations teams and customer service – you have all done a brilliant job and we are thank you for your efforts.
“I’d also like to extend my gratitude to Maryborough SES and the wonderful volunteers who support this service, our local Victoria Police officers for their contribution and to the community members and local farmers who have also supported to clear trees and debris from roads to ensure our road network could be restored as soon as possible.
“Whilst the storm event was significant here in the Central Goldfields, we know the weather events on Tuesday 13 February were much more severe in many other areas of the state.
“On behalf of the Central Goldfields Shire we wish those communities the very best as they continue to face challenges both now and, in the weeks, ahead as they recover.”
All municipal councils play an important role in the event of an emergency. They facilitate emergency management planning at the local level and are responsible for coordinating relief and recovery support for affected communities.