Council continues supporting Pyrenees community through October flood

Published on 26 October 2022

Pyrenees Shire Council's flood recovery team has been making its way through the entire Shire visiting flood affected homes and businesses this last week.

An initial assessment of flood damage across the Shire estimates that upwards of 60 properties have had some level of damage from the severe rain events that occurred October 7 and again on October 13.  Secondary assessments will continue and work to clean up damage to homes and community infrastructure and help clear the debris and hard waste will continue.

“Our case managers, with assistance from Brimbank City Council, have visited properties from Natte Yallock, to Beaufort, Avoca, Lexton and rural parts of the Shire, to get a picture of the damage and help residents get the support they need to get back on their feet,” said Pyrenees Shire CEO, Jim Nolan.

“We’re urgently following up with people who weren’t at home during our visits, so please, get in touch if you haven’t heard from us. “

“Through these visits, we’ve been able to put people in contact with the supports that they need – linking them to the immediate financial relief available from State and Federal Governments and helping them manage clean up and waste disposal safely.”

“For a handful of people whose homes were inundated, we’re working to get them into immediate accommodation and short-term rentals close to where they live so they can continue to work and go to school.”

Council and council contractors have been hard at work making roads and Council properties safe and resuming normal council services including waste pick up, where road conditions allow.

“Normal bin collection has resumed for most parts of the Shire, but we are still having difficulty getting to every property because the flood damage in sections of some roads is making it difficult for waste trucks trying to access some properties. Leave your bins out on normal collection days and call Council if your bin is not collected. We know delays are frustrating, but really appreciate your help and patience while those roads become accessible,” said Mr Nolan.

A dedicated hard waste collection for flood affected residents is also available. Flood affected properties can also contact Council on 1300 797 363 for the collection of flood damaged carpet and household furniture, directly from their nature strip.  Be aware that council cannot collect building waste such as plasterboard or asbestos. 

Community Relief Centres at Beaufort, Lexton and Avoca have dedicated information for peoples whose homes or businesses have been affected.  Information about preparing for further floods is also available.

Rural proprieties have also been affected, particularly along the Avoca river and Mt Emu creek. Agricultural impacts like cropping and fencing are still being assessed but are believed to be substantial.

Council is in discussions with organisations like Blaze Aid and to help with clearing and repairing damaged fencing next month, after getting a full picture of where the damage has occurred.

Council's Manager for Economic Development and Tourism, Ray Davies, will be at the Natte Yallock Recreation Reserve on Thursday 27 October and Thursday 3 November from 12-2pm to provide information and answer questions about support for business and agriculture.

We will be looking to provide other opportunities in the coming weeks in flood effected towns for people to come together and share information and stories about their experiences and to discuss any matters with the recovery team.

Widespread damage to local roads and bridges is also being assessed.  As forecast rain is expected to continue in the region for some months, residents are being urged to check local conditions and closures regularly.

“These next few months of wet weather will continue to challenge us, so it’s important for community members to keep checking weather forecasts and be prepared for what they’ll do in the event of more flooding,” said Mr Nolan.

For the latest information visit our Flood Updates page. 

Photo: Avoca during the flood event in October 2022 (Credit: Rhys Walkley)