Storm tops council agenda in South Gippsland

Before launching into the brief agenda for today’s South Gippsland Shire Council meeting, mayor Clare Williams and CEO Kerryn Ellis spoke about last week’s storm event and its aftermath.

“I stand before you in awe of the incredible power of our community,” Cr Williams said.

“As we navigate through the aftermath of a devastating storm that has torn our community apart, we are reminded of the resilience and determination that bind us together.”

She praised the tireless effort of all who have helped since the storm.

While appreciative of State level assistance provided, the mayor stressed advocacy is continuing to ensure South Gippsland Shire community members receive what is required.

“The help already received has to be increased and continue as we embark on a journey of rebuilding and healing,” Cr Williams said.

Having expressed her dismay at the storm’s impact, CEO Ellis said council teams have been on the ground assisting South Gippsland Shire communities since the night of the storm.

She noted that as well as the outdoors team involved in the storm cleanup, council staff have remained busy supporting community in the Emergency Response Centre at the Mirboo North Community Foundation.

The CEO outlined the extent of the task facing council’s outdoors team.

“Our outdoors team has cleared about 140 roads so far and we’ve got about 180 roads still to clear, and there are in excess of 1,200 kilometres of road that require full inspection to determine whether they’re safe or need further work,” Ms Ellis said.

“We received 1,150 calls over the past week and an additional 477 relating to trees and road hazards and we’re working through responding to those as best we can.

“We’ve registered 111 requests for emergency support and provided over 1,000 hot meals.”

Council has also delivered emergency food relief packs.

Over 60 percent of South Gippsland Shire Council staff have been involved in the emergency response in various ways, creating challenges in providing normal council services.

“The recovery will be long, but I am confident our community is resilient, and we will get there,” CEO Ellis declared.