Council clean-up efforts have begun following extreme weather events over the past 48 hours, which saw Council close seven roads, now mostly safe and re-opened.
"We were luckier than many parts of Victoria, however we still had many people impacted by the storm, whether it was having to change travel plans, be without power or have parts of their homes with water damage," said Mayor Hanson.
"As always in our caring community, there was an amazing level of support from neighbours alongside emergency services agencies – from farmers in Birregurra working on tractors through the night to protect homes to those checking in on elderly neighbours; thank you to everyone who lent a helping – but, there's more to be done."
"One thing everyone can do is to never drive through flood waters," said Mayor Hanson. "We have seen many rescues of sightseers looking for flood waters to play in and that means our emergency services personnel can't go to people who are in real need from flood damage."
Council has worked with the CFA and VICSES to provide sand for sandbags, which are available from ?? if residents would like to prepare their properties for upcoming rain.
For people looking to start their clean-up, our waste depots in Birregurra, Alvie and Apollo Bay will be open to help with removal of household items, such as carpets that need to be removed due to water damage. For opening hours please refer to: https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/My-property/Rubbish-recycling/Tip-locations.
Items accepted include timber waste, scrap metal, white goods, carpet, glass wrapped securely in cardboard and clearly marked as glass, electronic waste and household furniture. Contaminated items are not accepted, such as asbestos, hazardous waste materials, liquid waste such as fertilisers and building rubbish such as bricks, concrete, plasterboard, cement sheeting, soil and rocks. Check the GoodSort app for the full list and where to dispose of these items.
Mould, a type of fungi that lives on plant and animal matter, can also be an issue following water damage and floods and can adversely affect human health. Please find ways to reduce mould growth here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated/files/collections/factsheets/a/after-a-flood-mould-and-your-health-doc.pdf. If you're worried about your own or a family member's health, you can seek medical advice from your local doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 60 60 24.
With more rain forecast for later next week, Council reminds residents to prepare with copies of important documents close at hand should you need to make an insurance claim and to prepare a plan to ensure you, your family, neighbours and animals remain safe.
For anyone experiencing family violence following stressful storm impacts, help is available – find support agencies through our web page: https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-services/Maternal-Child-Health/Extra-help-for-families.
"Recovery efforts can be quick, or they can last for months or years," said Mayor Hanson. "As a community, we can check in with neighbours, family and friends and provide a listening ear. Volunteering with local community or emergency services is another way to help."
Should you wish to report a tree down on Council road or other storm damage on Council property, please submit a request through our website or call our customer service office 03 5232 9400, even after hours.
