Council is aware of the significant and ongoing impacts the February 13 storm has had on our communities across the Yarra Ranges.
Initially about 70,000 properties were impacted across our region and while this has now reduced significantly there are still a large number of residents and some businesses impacted by power and telecoms outages.
We know this may be an extra difficult time for the people who were impacted by the June 2021 storms following the significant amount of trees and branches that also fell during the storm.
As of Friday morning, 7,450 properties across Yarra Ranges remain without power, while many others are recovering from multiple days without power.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Sophie Todorov said that staff were working with AusNet, telecommunications companies and the State Government to address the outages and its impacts.
"Yarra Ranges has been the second-most impacted municipality in the state for power outages – and sadly, people will be feeling this extra hard after being impacted by the June 2021 storms," Cr Todorov said.
"Our officers are reaching out to impacted businesses, and we are working with the State Government to identify what further support can be offered to community members as we recover.
"We strongly encourage everyone in the community to be safe – particularly when using generators. Always use generators outside, and be mindful of appliances, safe power connections and proper ventilation. I also encourage anyone reading this to make sure they share information with friends or loved ones who do not have power, internet or reception.
"We will continue to advocate for our communities to the State Government. We know there will be a long path ahead with removing debris and fallen trees, and we'll be working to make sure we get the best support we can."
Streeton Ward Councillor, Andrew Fullagar, said that Council would continue to support residents, and encouraged people to reach out if they need help.
"It can be hard to navigate emergencies – to know where to start, or where to go," Cr Fullagar said.
"If you're impacted by the storms and unsure what help you may need, we encourage you to give our teams a call on 1300 368 333. We're experiencing high demand for calls, but if you stay on the line we will do our best to connect you with the services and information you need.
"In the meantime, please check on people in your community – your friends, loved ones and neighbours – to see what support they may need, or can offer.
"If you need anything, don't forget to drop in to your Council Community Link – we're always happy to help.
"We're reviewing support and options available as power is restored, so we encourage people to regularly check the Council Facebook page and website for the latest information."
Lyster Ward Councillor, Johanna Skelton, said that spoiled food drop-offs had been organised in the Dandenong Ranges from Friday afternoon, in response to community demand.
"We know that one of the most pressing impacts of prolonged power outages is disposing of spoiled food from fridges and freezers," Cr Skelton said.
"It's important to be food-safe after an emergency like this – solid frozen food can still be safe, but we'd urge residents to be wary of spoiled food and to not risk sickness.
"Anyone impacted by the outage who has to dispose of food should document what they have to dispose of, and contact their insurance companies, if insured, immediately to see what compensation may be available.
"We've already heard from people whose bins are filling up quickly. Your green-lidded FOGO bin is the perfect spot to put spoiled food, with packaging removed, and we're offering spoiled food waste collections to provide options for those who need extra help.
"We know there's high demand for help in many small towns and less-populated parts of the Yarra Ranges. Rest assured, no matter where you are in the region, we're here to listen and respond as the recovery unfolds. Please contact us if you need a helping hand."
Bins will be available at the below sites from noon, Friday, 16 February. Bins will be collected twice daily while demand continues.
Please only put spoiled food in these bins.
- Belgrave: Belgrave Recreation Reserve, enter from Reserve Road
- Belgrave South: Belgrave South Recreation Reserve, enter from Mt Morton Road
- Selby: Minak Reserve, enter from Wombala Road / Minak Road
Please note that the contents of these bins will be sent to landfill, acknowledging that spoiled food may be packaged. Wherever possible, we encourage community members to use their green-lidded weekly FOGO bins to dispose of food (without packaging). However, these bins are available for whoever needs them.
The following community facilities and businesses are open to assist community members. Council recommends calling ahead before visiting, if possible:
The Memo Healesville, 235 Maroondah Highway, Healesville – offering charging
Friday 12pm-9pm
Yarra Centre, 2451 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction – offering charging and showers
Friday 6am-9pm
3MDR, Riley Road, Upwey – offering power for charging and kitchen is available for use
*Please call 9752 5678 before visiting
Olinda Community House, 79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Road Olinda – offering showers
*Please call 9751 1264 before visiting
Selby Community House, 1 Minak Rd, Selby – offering charging, toilets
*Please call 9754 2039 before visiting
Food is Free Tecoma – offering charging and fridge/freezer
*Please call Sue Brown on 0414 312 796 before visiting
9am-5pm
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (at Belgrave Hub), 1616/1624 Burwood Highway, Belgrave – offering power and shower (9am-4:45pm), food relief and voucher for fuel (9am-12:30pm)
Monbulk RSL, 48 Main Road, Monbulk – offering charging devices
Open from 4:30pm weekdays
Knox Leisureworks, 35 Tormore Road, Boronia – offering power and shower facilities
Thursday-Friday 5:30am-9:30pm/Saturday 6:30am-8pm/Sunday 8am-6pm
Yarra Valley Sheds and Barns – offering coffee and charging at both store locations (1/161 Canterbury Road, Kilsyth & 1398 Warburton Highway, Woori Yallock)
*please call 1300 136 142 before visiting.
