City of Greater Bendigo staff are in the process of understanding the impacts of last week's heavy rain across the municipality.
In particular, the City is aware a number of roads and highways have been affected by the weather.
Of key concern is road access between Bendigo and Heathcote, with the McIvor Highway at Axedale currently cut off. There are other options, including travelling via Eppalock and Redesdale, but this is not as direct.
While the township of Elmore is accessible, the City is also aware it is not possible to travel north or east of the township along main roads.
We are working with the Department of Transport, which has responsibility for main arterial roads, including the McIvor, Midland, Loddon Valley, Wimmera and Calder highways, to prioritise the works that are needed.
If residents see examples of potholes, road damage, footpaths needing repair or fallen trees, they are encouraged to log a customer request online by visiting www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/requests
These requests will be treated in order of priority.
The City will waive tip fees for flood-damaged property only to be disposed of for free at the Eaglehawk Landfill until Saturday December 31, 2022.
In the Heathcote community where it is thought up to 40 homes were inundated, the City will place a number of skip bins in residential streets to put flood-damaged property into.
Skip bins will be put at key locations in Heathcote, including the transfer station and residentials streets in the most impacted areas. Bins will be delivered this Wednesday, October 19, but locations have not been confirmed and will be promoted via the City's Facebook page.
The bins will remain until Monday November 14, 2022 and be emptied for free
The Heathcote Transfer Station will remain closed as it is currently unsafe to move around the site. We will monitor the site daily and when it is safe to re-open, this will be promoted.
For residents with sandbags, continue to hold onto these as wet weather is forecast towards the end of the week. Although we are yet to be advised of what to expect from the predicted rain, it is best to be prepared.
Residents can continue to put their waste, recycling and organics bins out as normal and waste will be collected.
Today, the Bendigo Bank announced it has opened a Victorian Flood Appeal to support flood affected communities. We understand residents are looking for ways to help,
but a financial donation is the best way to assist until it is determined what people need specifically - and this may not be known for some time. To donate, visit www.bendigobank.com.au/floodappeal
We also respectfully ask that anyone who is not displaced by the flood to not attend the Bendigo Emergency Relief Centre. All evacuees are well cared for with bedding, food and clothing, and there are a number of agencies present to provide support including medical and mental health care.
