Pyrenees moves ahead on road to flood recovery
Published on 20 December 2022
Tennis courts being used again, golf tournaments and the weekly Beaufort Lake parkrun resuming are among the positive signs that Pyrenees communities are returning to business as usual.
The damage left behind by October and November floods is extensive, complex and costly, impacting the speed of repairs, but Pyrenees Shire CEO, Jim Nolan, assures the community that clean-up and repair of community assets are well underway and community events are returning.
“Flood recovery is a big job and it will take time and a sustained focus on our long-term resilience. We’re working through repairing visible flood damage, like roads and reserves, in an environment where insurance, contractor availability and other government agencies are all a factor in how quick we are to act,” said Mr Nolan.
More than 15 community facilities, ranging from playgrounds through to sports fields and bike paths were damaged from the October and November floods. Bike trails and walking trails are all in operation, prompting the return of the popular Beaufort Lake parkrun and the Beeripmo Wild Mount Trail Run.
“It is frustrating for the community that some of our recreation reserves and sporting facilities, like the Avoca cricket pitch, haven’t been ready to reopen, but repairs to the oval have begun and hopefully we can see a return to cricket on the pitch later this summer,” said Mr Nolan.
Council is working with contractors and community groups to restore popular meeting places like Avoca’s Lions Park, Lexton’s Toll Bar and The Natte Yallock and Avoca Recreation Reserves. In the meantime, Council recommends exploring some of the other outdoor meeting facilities in the Shire to hold gatherings with family and friends over summer. Visit www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/Community/Parks-and-Recreation
“We need to remember that recovery also means thinking longer term about our Shire’s businesses and people. Their resilience and economic recovery are less visible than cracks in the road, but even more crucial for us to plan how we’ll help get us back on our feet,” Mr Nolan said.
“For our agricultural community, that help starts with fencing repair. That’s why we moved swiftly to engage Landmate and BlazeAid volunteers across the shire to help farmers repair fencing as soon as the ground conditions were dry enough.”
Seventy-five residents were supported by council to access help after flooding hit their properties during the October and November flood events. Windermere Services – a crisis support group providing dedicated flood recovery case workers across Victoria – is assisting Council in providing further support to these flood-affected residents.
The Pyrenees Shire, as part of the long-term recovery plan, has appointed Jane Bowker to a new role of Flood Recovery Co-ordinator. Jane will lead a team dedicated to responding and recovering from flood emergencies.
Stay up to date with Pyrenees flood recovery at www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/flood-updates