Start made on challenging post flood clean-up
Published on 15 October 2022
Council crews are on the ground beginning the clean-up after yesterdays near record flood event in Maribyrnong.
Residents of over sixty properties on the low lying tidal flat around Anglers Tavern were forced to leave their homes after the Maribyrnong River burst its banks.
Council is clearing debris from roads and footpaths and drainage pits, reopening roads and assessing infrastructure for damage and repairs. This includes parks and sports fields and Council-owned buildings, such as the Raleigh Road Activity Centre, which was also inundated yesterday.
The priority is supporting impacted residents. Council is asking they please stockpile any materials to be discarded inside their property boundary in the meantime to provide time for crews to clear and clean their streets to facilitate a hard waste collection next week.
The Maribyrnong River peaked at 4.18 metres yesterday. The highest recorded event in 1906 was 4.5m, followed by 4.26m in 1916, and 4.2 in 1974.
Many houses and a lot of community infrastructure has been damaged. While the clean-up is underway, Mayor Cr Anthony Tran said it’s going to take time.
“We’ve yet to determine the extent of any damage or repairs that might be needed to our infrastructure. As we clear debris and clean up, doing this work is a key priority to making our City safe again," Mayor Tran said.
“We also know it won’t be easy for residents returning to flood ravaged homes who will face their own challenging clean-up. We’ll be doing what we can to help – including organising hard waste collections – to help clear debris from their properties, recognising this likely includes treasured possessions,” Mayor Tran continued.
Community safety remains a priority. Stay off the roads if you can, follow any temporary signage where roads are not yet re-opened, steer clear of any water that may still be lying around and follow the advice of authorities around staying safe after a flood. Visit the Better Health website for information on how to stay safe.
Mayor Tran said one of the positives from this event is the way we are seeing our community coming together.
“We had people donating food and offers of accommodation and support. It’s at times like this when we see the best of people – and we’re seeing that demonstrated now in our municipality,” he said.
While mostly dry conditions are forecast for Monday and Tuesday across Victoria, there is a risk of more flooding later in the week.
Support
People displaced by the floods are eligible for one-off payments of $560 per adult and $280 per child. To complete the online assessment form, visit the State Government website.
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