General News
27 October, 2022
Flood clean up for Pyrenees
Flood recovery is underway in the Pyrenees Shire, with townships including Lexton, Avoca and Natte Yallock — and surrounding farm land — still being assessed for damage. Council’s initial assessment of flood damage across the shire estimates...
Flood recovery is underway in the Pyrenees Shire, with townships including Lexton, Avoca and Natte Yallock — and surrounding farm land — still being assessed for damage.
Council’s initial assessment of flood damage across the shire estimates that upwards of 60 properties have had some level of damage from the recent severe rain events.
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,” Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan said.
“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.”
Mr Nolan said 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,” he said.
“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.”
Waste
A dedicated hard waste collection for flood affected residents is available.
If you property was affected by floods, contact council on 1300 797 363 for the collection of flood damaged carpet and household furniture, directly from your nature strip.
Relief centres and information
Community Relief Centres at Lexton (Anderson Street) and Avoca (122 High Street) have dedicated information for people whose homes or businesses have been affected.
Information about preparing for further floods is also available.
Pyrenees Shire Council’s manager for economic development and tourism, Ray Davies, will be at the Natte Yallock Recreation Reserve next Thursday, November 3 from 12-2 pm to provide information and answer questions about support for business and agriculture post-flooding.
Agriculture
Flood impacts on agriculture like cropping and fencing are still being assessed but are believed to be substantial.
Council is in discussions with organisations like Blaze Aid to help with clearing and repairing damaged fencing next month, after getting a full picture of where the damage has occurred.