Baw Baw begins storm clean-up

Baw Baw Shire Council is in clean-up mode today as it works to restore Council services and provide support to those in the community most affected by a damaging storm that swept through the region yesterday.

More than 26,000 homes across Baw Baw Shire were left without power as a result of the storm. While many homes have had power restored, currently almost 10,000 homes remain without, the Council today confirmed.

Council and contractors have been working closely with the State Emergency Service (SES) to work through the road network to clear trees and debris as a matter of priority.

The following Council services remain impacted: 

• Council’s Transfer Stations are operating as normal. However, currently Lardner Transfer Station is being operated with a generator. Phone lines and EFTPOS machine are down, so only cash can be accepted. 

• Some scheduled bin collections have been missed due to road closures. Any missed services will be rescheduled for collection as soon as possible. 

• The Municipal Animal Pound remains without power and closed to the community. Council staff are onsite to ensure the comfort and warmth of animals in their care. 

The Council has opened local facilities to offer access to showers and WiFi/power to charge devices for stranded community members.

“Council is working to open more facilities in rural and remote areas, however many of these areas remain without power. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on social media to see when more support centres become available, said Mayor, Annemarie McCabe.

The Mayor said every town in the Baw Baw Shire had been impacted by the wind and storm event. 

“In the last 36 hours, Council has received and attended to almost 500 tasks requiring assistance in all corners of the Shire. We still have not received the entire list of tasks due to the ongoing connectivity issues we’re experiencing, particularly in the more remote areas of the Shire.”

“We have as many crews as possible, both Council and contractors, with chainsaws and excavators working hard to clear hazards. We are also in the process of setting up small support facilities where people can access showers, WiFi and power to charge their devices. There are multiple centres in Warragul and Drouin already, and we are working to open more throughout our smaller, more remote towns and communities.  

“In times like this, we see the importance of community and looking out for one another. Please be assured that Council is working hard to restore services and get out to all areas in our Shire to offer any assistance needed,” she said.

Residents who require further assistance with storm clean up or support are encouraged to contact SES on 132 500 or Council on 5624 2411. Alternatively, residents can fill in this online storm assistance form available on Council’s website.